Infectious Diseases in Lithuania

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They can spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Some infectious diseases are transmitted by insects or other animals. Infectious diseases can also spread through the consumption of contaminated water or food or exposure to organisms in the environment.

The branch of medicine that focuses on infectious diseases is called infectiology, which is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases are called infectious diseases (ID) specialists. While most common infections can be treated by general internists and other specialists, ID specialists are frequently called upon to help diagnose and assist in treating or managing unusual, difficult, or complicated infections. Since many infectious diseases are related to other medical conditions, ID specialists work with doctors in many specialty areas, such as doctors trained in dermatology, immunology, or cardiovascular medicine. 

Some of the most common infectious diseases that ID specialists diagnose, treat, and manage include:

• Bone and joint infections
• Heart valve infections
• Blastomycosis
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Lyme disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Viral hepatitis
• Rubella, Measles, and Mumps
• Malaria
• Cholera
• Dengue
• Ebola
• Sepsis
• Tuberculosis
• Rheumatic fever
• Travel medicine
• Tick-borne infections
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Post-operative infections.

There are numerous procedures that ID specialists and other specialists use to diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious diseases. These include, but are not limited to:

• Laboratory tests, including blood tests, urine tests, stool samples, throat swabs, and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
• Imaging scans, such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
• Biopsies.
• Antibiotic therapies
• Immunizations
• Infection control
• Fecal microbiota (stool) transplant
• Antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)
• Antifungal therapy
• Anti-parasitic therapy.

How Long Should I Stay in Lithuania?

Your length of stay depends on the severity of your infection and which organ is affected by the infection. Some types of infectious diseases may require hospitalization, while others do not. It is generally advisable that you plan to stay in Lithuania for at least 7 to 14 days. Even if you do not need hospitalization, some types of treatment may require several appointments. In addition, you may also need to attend follow-up checkups.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time after infectious disease can vary, depending on the type and severity of the infection. For some infectious diseases, the healing process can take time and it can take a few months until you can resume your normal activities. Some other types of infectious diseases, however, only need around 2 weeks or even less of recovery time. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and resume your normal activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you detailed aftercare instruction. It is important to follow every instruction closely. They may also tell you prevention measures to decrease the risk of infection from occurring in the future. These include washing your hands frequently, to get vaccinated, practice safe sex, travel wisely, stay home when ill, prepare food safely, and avoid sharing personal items. 

What's the Success Rate?

Active research in infectious diseases has resulted in new discoveries that help doctors to refine the treatment and management approach to infectious diseases. The success rate of infectious disease treatment has increased significantly in the past several decades. Some types of treatments even have 90% success rates.   

Are there Alternatives?

There are a number of products that have been studied for preventing or shortening the duration of some infections, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, garlic, ginseng, and zinc. However, it is best that you see your general physician, a specialist, or an ID specialist to treat your infection instead of taking alternative medicine.  

Infectious Diseases in and around Lithuania

About Lithuania

Lithuania is an Eastern European country and is the largest and most populous of the three Baltic States. The country has a population of 3 million people, capital and largest city is Vilnius. There are only 3 Hospitals in Lithuania that are JCI accredited and all 3 can be found at the capital.

Lithuania welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Infectious Diseases procedures. The biggest attraction of Lithuania has to be the cost. Once you are there it is very affordable to eat, drink and get around and the prices from private clinics for medical treatment are extremely competitive. Come from within Europe on a low-cost airline and you will probably pay for your treatment and your holiday for less than your procedure would have cost at home.

Popular Parts of Lithuania

Although Lithuania is one of the lesser known countries of Europe, the country is actually a beautiful destination. Lithuania is home to incredible castles, lakes, forests, and landscapes.

• Vilnius: The capital of Lithuania is a city of churches. It is a dreamy city especially under the golden glow of summer sun. The city is often referred to as one of the cheapest city breaks in Europe. Trendy bars, hills, beautiful architecture, and fascinating history all makes this city an amazing destination. Hot-air balloons above Vilnius are also an impressive sight.
• Kaunas is the second city in Lithuania and is probably the coldest city in the country. Most tourists’ attractions in the city are within walking distance, making it a pleasant city to explore. The street in Old Town is packed with interesting architecture and hidden attractions.
• Druskininkai is filled with health spa amenities. Tourists will find countless natural attractions such as mineral water and curing mud. The city offers many outdoor and leisure activities such as river canoeing, cycling, adventure park with rope obstacles, and ski.
• Nida is a peaceful fishing village. It is a popular destination for tourists looking for some downtime, it has beautiful panoramic views. It is also home to the highest moving sand dunes in Europe. The Dead Dunes is probably the most famous spot in Nida.

Weather and Climate in Lithuania

Lithuania is at its best in summer when the days are warm and the Baltic Sea is swimmable. The country is swarming with tourists during this season. Summer starts from June until August; the average temperature is around 20 °C during the day and 14 °C during the night.

Spring arrives late, usually starts in April and finishes in May. Spring makes the country look even more beautiful with blossoming flowers and cherry trees. The temperature is usually cool.

Autumn has many sunny days and adds more color to the country. Autumn starts in September and lasts for two months. The nights in autumn are chilly, and the temperature usually drops to 0.1 °C in late November.

Winter is especially cold with an average temperature of around -6.6 to -2.8 °C. Some winters can be even colder with the average temperature dropping as low as -20 °C.

Getting Around in Lithuania

Vilnius International Airport is the largest airport in Lithuania. It connects the country with European cities. The airport is the hub for air Baltic and Get Jet Airlines. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air also operate flights from this airport. Other international airports are Kaunas International Airport, Palanga International Airport, and Šiauliai International Airport. The airports in Lithuania do not serve domestic flights.

Vilnius airport taxis are available and can be found in front of the arrivals terminal. The taxis are comfortable and affordable. All taxis accept payment by cash or credit card, a journey to the city center should cost around 10 EUR to 18 EUR. The city bus is a more cost-effective option to travel to Vilnius. A single ticket costs 1 EUR and can be purchased on the bus.

Getting around in Lithuania by car is the best way if you wish to visit many destinations. Lithuanian roads are among the best in Eastern Europe. The country has four-lane highways connecting Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Panevėžys, and Palanga.

Intercity buses dominate the system of Lithuanian public transportation. Buses link all major cities and smaller towns. Buses between big cities are very frequent and usually leave every 15 minutes. Bus tickets can be purchased in the bus station or directly from the bus driver. Trains in Lithuania are good value but rather slow. Riding a bicycle is a nice way to get around inside the cities. Most roads are kept in good condition. Bike hire is available across all major cities and several small villages.

Tourist Visas in Lithuania

Citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Britain are granted visa-free entry to Lithuania and may stay for up to 90 days. Other foreign nationals must apply and obtain a visa before entering Lithuania. It is advisable to contact the local embassy to check visa requirements for Lithuania.

Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area, those who already have a Schengen visa do not have to apply for a new visa to enter Lithuania. A passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required by all visitors.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The local currency is the euro. Lithuania adopted the euro in 2015. 1 USD is equivalent to 0.88 EUR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available in cities and towns, even in small villages. Most banks will exchange your money, but the easiest way is to withdraw cash from an ATM. Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards (mostly Visa, MasterCard, and American Express). Always make sure to carry cash for small purchases such as museums and markets. Tourists can tip 10% in restaurants, always tip with cash even if you’re paying by credit or debit card. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but it is common to add a couple of euros.
3. Local Language: Lithuanian is the official language. English is widely spoken by younger generations. The older generations usually only have very basic English skills. Most people know Russian or at least very basic Russian. Polish is also understood in certain areas. German is also spoken in Palanga, Neringa, and other major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The predominant religion in Lithuania is Christianity; with around 77% of the population is Catholic. There are also small groups of Jews, Muslims, as well as other faiths.
5. Public Holidays: As a Christian country, Lithuania celebrates Christian religious holidays such as Easter, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Lithuania has little traditions to celebrate its national patriotic holidays. The country hosts many annual and unique festivals all-year round. Galapagai Rock Music Festival in July, Palanga Smelt Festival in February, Vilnius Festival in June, Trakai Middle Age Festival in June, and Vilnius Film Festival in late March to early April.