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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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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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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Whooping cough treatments

Whooping cough (also known as 'pertussis') is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Learn more about treatment options available.

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Whooping cough causes and diagnosis

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection passed on through close personal contact, sneezing and coughing. Find out more about its diagnosis.

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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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Whooping cough prevention

Whooping cough (also known as 'pertussis') is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Find out more about its causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prevention.

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Whooping cough symptoms

Whooping cough (also known as 'pertussis') is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Find out more about its causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prevention.

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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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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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Dog, cat and bat bites

Dog and cat bites are the most common types of animal bite. Here’s what to do if you get bitten, with information about when to get medical help.

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Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea has increased

Cases of gonorrhoea have risen in Australia, and many people don't know they have it. But this STI can cause infertility if left untreated.

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