Infectious disease in athletes.

The objective of this article has been to focus on the more common infectious diseases that the physician caring for athletes may encounter in the office practice of sports medicine. Clearly the physician plays a critical role in treatment and prevention through early recognition and intervention when appropriate. Fortunately, being a fairly young, healthy athletic population, these patients respond well to treatment. It is critical that physicians caring for athletes take an active role to educate and counsel their patients on appropriate preventive measures and give clear return to participation recommendations. Advice should be based on consideration of each athlete's unique situation as well as up-to-date knowledge concerning the particular infectious disease process involved and appropriate treatment options.