For Patients

This page is designed especially for patients affected by invasive fungal infections (IFI), their families,
and caregivers. Here, you will find easy-to-understand summaries about fungal diseases, including information on:

• Symptoms and diagnosis;
• Treatment options;
• Side effects and recovery;
• Living with and beyond infection;
• Prevention of fungal infections.

Invasive fungal infections are often difficult to diagnose and treat, and many patients experience long and complex journeys. At the same time, clear and accessible information for patients is still limited. We believe that patients should not only receive care—but also be informed, heard, and supported. All summaries are written by international experts in the field using simple language so that everyone can access this information, regardless of medical background.

To make this information available worldwide, the materials are translated into multiple languages. That way patients and caregivers from different countries can benefit equally. We use online translation tools to provide content in multiple languages. If you notice any errors or unclear wording, please let us know so we can improve the information: janina.leckler@uk-koeln.de.

For Patients and Caregivers

We want patients not only to be informed but also to actively participate in shaping the information
we provide. You can:

• Review summaries: Help us check that the information is clear and easy to understand. Your feedback ensures that the materials are truly patient-friendly;
• Share your experience: Your perspective as a patient is invaluable and can help make the content more practical and relevant for others;
• Connect with others: We can help you get in touch with other patients and caregivers who have similar experiences;
• Join ISHAM as a patient member free of charge: Patients and caregivers can become member of ISHAM without any membership fee, allowing access to further information, resources, and engagement opportunities within the international fungal infection community. For free patient membership information click here.

If you are interested in contributing or providing feedback, please contact us at: ilana.reinhold@uk-koeln.de and laura.walti@insel.ch.

For healthcare professionals and researchers

If you are a clinician, researcher, or healthcare professional interested in contributing, collaborating, or supporting this initiative, you can find more detailed information about the working group, its objectives, and ways to get involved through the official ISHAM Working Group on Patient Representation and Advocacy.