Infectious diseases
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in your lungs, which causes a cough. Learn about the symptoms and treatment of acute bronchitis.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a mild childhood illness, that can also occur in adults. It is occasionally serious. Here's how you can prevent catching chickenpox.
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 testing, symptoms, recovery, vaccination, antivirals and long COVID.
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.
Ebola virus
Ebola virus disease is a rare but often fatal illness. Find out more about Ebola transmission (spread), symptoms and treatment options.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes spreads by skin-to-skin contact, like kissing or foreplay. Learn how to prevent the spread of the virus and what to do if you catch it.
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 (ABLV) and learn what to do if you are bitten or scratched by a bat. ABLV can be prevented with vaccination.
Measles
Measles is a very infectious viral disease. It’s spread via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms of measles and why vaccination is essential.
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.
Notification of illness and disease
‘Notifiable’ diseases are ones where government health authorities must be notified about occurrences. Learn why this is important.
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, prevent shingles and get the best treatment for you.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the hollow spaces in the skull behind and between the eyes, forehead and cheeks. Read more about symptoms and treatment.
Sore throat (pharyngitis)
Pharyngitis is a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, common with a cold or flu. Learn how to care for a sore throat and when to see a doctor.
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 a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Find out more about syphilis here.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection and swelling of the tonsils at the back of the throat. Learn about the symptoms and treatments for tonsillitis.
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 (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs. It can live in your body for years before causing symptoms.
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 treatments.
