Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect the throat, the lungs, the skin, the bowel and many others parts of your body. They can be can be highly contagious. This page explains how to avoid spreading infections.

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Differences between bacterial and viral infection

Bacterial and viral infections must be treated differently. Misusing antibiotics to treat viral infections leads to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

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Cefalexin

Cefalexin is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body. This page explains how cefalexin works, its risks and other treatment options available in its place.

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Antibiotic resistance

Here’s important information about what antibiotics treat and don’t treat, an explanation of 'superbugs' and how antibiotic resistance can be reduced.

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Antibiotics

Antibiotics revolutionised medicine in the 1940s because they treated infections caused by bacteria. Learn how antibiotics work and what they do and don’t treat.

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Abscesses

Abscesses are painful collections of pus that builds up under the skin, in or between an organ. Find out more about abcesses on our trusted partner pages.

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Leprosy

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an infection of the skin and nerves. It is rare in Australia and can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics.

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Toenail infection

Toenail infections are common but they may also be a sign of other conditions. Find out more about what a toenail infection is, common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and prevention.

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Listeria and listeriosis

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning caused by eating foods contaminated with Listeria bacteria and can be dangerous for certain people. Find out more here.

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Tuberculosis

This highly infectious disease, which mostly affects the lungs, can be spread through coughing, sneezing, speaking or even singing.

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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.

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Invasive staph infections

Learn more about invasive staph infections.

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What causes cellulitis

Cellulitis is caused by bacterial infections.

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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.

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Neutropenia

Neutropenia is a condition in which there aren’t enough neutrophils which can lead to an increased risk of bacterial infections. Learn more about neutropenia.

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Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs to some humans and animals in humid conditions. The condition is treatable, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid getting leptospirosis.

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What causes gastritis?

Gastritis can be caused by drugs, bacterial infections, alcohol and stress. You can find out more about the causes of gastritis by reading information from our trusted partners.

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What's the difference between food allergy and intolerance — and other health concepts?

Wonder why psychiatrists and psychologists are different? Did you know that prebiotics and probiotics are not the same? Learn the differences between those things, and more.

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Pneumococcal disease

Links to articles about pneumococcal disease.

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Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical attention. Find out more about peritonitis.

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Sore throat (pharyngitis)

A sore throat is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection and is common with a cold or flu. Learn more about the self-care of sore throats.

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Penicillin

Penicillin is the name given to a widely-used group of antibiotic drugs. Penicillin can have side-effects, and some people suffer allergic reactions. Find out more here.

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Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Known as ‘pink eye’, conjunctivitis is a contagious disease that turns the whites of the eye pink. Read about symptoms and treatments here.

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Haemolytic uraemic syndrome

Links to our information partners' articles about haemolytic uraemic syndrome (also spelt hemolytic uremic syndrome).

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Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the thin sheath around your heart. It can lead to problems ranging from swelling to a serious drop in blood pressure.

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Swollen glands

Glands are part of the lymphatic system and can become swollen for different reasons. Learn more about the causes and treatment for swollen glands.

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Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by bacteria called Streptococci. Learn more about what it is, and its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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Buruli ulcer

Buruli ulcer is a bacterial disease that can lead to severe skin and limb damage if left untreated. Recognise the symptoms and find out where it has been reported.

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Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial throat infection that usually affects primary school-aged children. Find out about its symptoms as well as treatments and preventions.

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Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a serious brain condition usually caused by a virus. If you think or your child may have encephalitis, seek medical attention straight away.

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