Bites and stings

Most insect bites and stings are relatively harmless - but some spiders, snakes and sea creatures can be very dangerous. Learn more about them here.

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Sea creature bites and stings

Not sure if a bite or sting from a sea creature is dangerous? Here’s information about first aid treatments for jellyfish stings, sea snake bites and more.

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Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction and can be fatal. Explore triggers, symptoms, treatment and what to do in an emergency.

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Insect bites and stings - infographic

Explore this infographic to learn about the insects that can cause infections and allergic reactions, the symptoms and treatments you should be aware of and tips to prevent bites and stings.

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Insect bites and stings

Most insect bites will clear up in a day or two, although some people can have severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Learn more about insect bites and how to handle allergic reactions.

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Insect bites - infographic

Explore this infographic to learn about the insects that can cause infections and allergic reactions, the symptoms and treatments you should be aware of and tips to prevent bites.

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Insect stings - infographic

Explore this infographic to learn about the insects that can cause infections and allergic reactions, the symptoms and treatments you should be aware of and tips to prevent stings.

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Mosquito-borne diseases

Some illnesses are transmitted by mosquitoes ('mozzies'), including malaria, Dengue fever and the Zika virus. Here's what you need to know

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Summer skin rashes

Summer rashes can be caused by things like sunlight, insects, sweating and overheating - especially if you have allergies or other pre-existing skin conditions.

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Bed bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on your blood, often causing itchy bites. Learn about treatment and prevention.

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Jellyfish stings

Jellyfish stings are common and mostly just painful. If serious, you may need emergency medical attention. Read this page on jellyfish sting treatment.

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How to look after yourself this summer

This summer, use these practical tips to enjoy fun summer days, while avoiding alcohol-related misadventure, mozzie bites and dodgy prawns.

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Beach safety

While lifesavers watch over you, it's important that you learn about the flags, signs and rip currents. Here's how to enjoy a safe day at the beach.

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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 by an animal, or come into contact with a bat.

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Tick bites

Tick bites are usually harmless, but it's important to know how to avoid and treat bites, and what to do after visiting areas where ticks are present.

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Barmah Forest virus infection

Barmah Forest virus infection is an illness spread by mosquitoes and found only in Australia. Read more about the symptoms and treatment here.

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Antihistamines

Antihistamine medications help ease allergy symptoms. Read more about how they're used to treat conditions like hay fever and asthma.

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Poisoning

Poisoning is common and most cases happen at home. Learn about the symptoms, prevention and what to do in an emergency.

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Snake bites

About 100 Australian snakes are venomous, but only 12 are likely to inflict a fatal bite. Learn about first aid for snake bites.

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Lyme disease

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted in a tick bite however, the types of tick that carry the bacteria have not been found in Australia.

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Blisters

Blisters form in response to friction or pressure on the skin. Many need only simple care; others may be a symptom of disease and need to be treated by your GP.

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Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on dust, pollen and fungal spores. Here's what to do if they trigger allergy symptoms.

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How to use an adrenaline autoinjector

An adrenaline autoinjector can, in an emergency, save the life of someone who is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Learn how to use one here.

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Spider bites

Find out what you do for a spider bite in Australia. Redback spider, funnel-web spider and white tail spider bites need different first aid.

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Stinging plants

Stinging trees and nettles can hurt. Find out what these plants look like, how to avoid getting stung and what to do when the worst happens.

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First aid basics

First aid is what you do to help an injured or sick person immediately after an event. Learn about the 'DRSABCD' action plan and how to find a course.

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