Infectious diseases
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the larger airways in your lungs, which causes an ongoing cough. Learn how to reduce the risk of bronchitis.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, although it can also occur in adults and is occasionally serious. Here’s how to help ease the sympt...
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common STI in Australia. Learn more about the prevention, testing and treatment of chlamydia, as well as contact tracing.
Colds and flu
Find out more about how to treat the cold or flu, how to avoid catching the cold or the flu and special cases in which to take extra care.
Conjunctivitis
Known as 'pink eye', conjunctivitis is a contagious disease where the whites of the eye appear pink and may have a sticky discharge.
COVID-19
Health advice on COVID-19, including when to get tested or self-isolate, symptoms, how to avoid infection, physical distancing and restrictions.
Cough
Most coughs are caused by viruses which inflame the throat, windpipe or lungs. Here are some tips to relieve a chesty, dry or persistent cough.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea may last for just a few days, or it might indicate something more serious. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for di...
Ebola virus
Ebola is a rare and often fatal illness. Learn about the Ebola virus, who’s at risk, symptoms and treatment options.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact – even through kissing or foreplay. There are things you can do to control it, learn more here.
Gonorrhoea (the clap)
Also known as 'the clap', gonorrhoea often has no symptoms. Learn how to spot symptoms, maintain and how gonorrhoea is treated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can lead to liver damage over time. If it turns out you have hepatitis B, it is important to protect others from infection. Find out how.
HIV infection and AIDS
People with HIV are unlikely to transmit the virus or develop AIDS if they get effective treatment. Learn about HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
Impetigo
Impetigo, or school sores, is a highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It's very common and affects mainly children.
Lyssavirus (ABLV)
Find out about Australian bat Lyssavirus, and learn how it can be prevented if you are bitten or scratched by a bat.
Measles
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease, spread from person to person via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms and why vaccination is es...
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral infection, most common in children between 5 and 15 years. These days it’s rare thanks to effective immunisation.
Rubella (German measles)
Rubella (also known as German measles) is best prevented by the MMR vaccination. Learn more about its distinctive rash, other symptoms and treatments.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Here's how to recognise the symptoms and find the treatment that's best for you.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is when the hollow spaces in the bones of your face become inflamed. Sinusitis is a common symptom for colds and the flu and it can be diffi...
Sore throat (pharyngitis)
Pharyngitis is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection and is common with a cold or flu. Here's how to care for a sore throat.
Staph infections
Are you at risk of a staph infection? Learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of different kinds of staph infection, and how to prevent and treat it.
Syphilis
Syphilis is relatively rare in Australia. It can cause serious health problems if left untreated. However, syphilis is easy to cure if found early.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection and swelling of the tonsils at the back of the throat. Learn about its symptoms and treatments.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here’s how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.
Tuberculosis
This highly infectious disease, which mostly affects the lungs, can be spread through coughing, sneezing, speaking or even singing.
Vomiting
Vomiting in adults is usually not a sign of anything serious and tends to only last one or two days. Learn the causes and when to seek medical advice.
Worms in humans
Several types of intestinal worms may infect people in Australia, but threadworms are by far the most common. Find out the symptoms and treatment of w...
Notification of illness and disease
‘Notifiable’ diseases are ones where government health authorities must be notified about occurrences. Learn why this is important and about the info...
