Colds

A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, the throat and upper airways. Find out more about the common cold.

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Coughs and colds in children

Most coughs and colds in children are caused by viruses. Find out how to treat your child and to help prevent them from developing and spreading a cold.

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About coronaviruses

Coronaviruses can cause several illnesses, from the common cold to serious respiratory infections and pneumonia. Learn more about coronaviruses.

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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 information on being ill during pregnancy and looking babies and children with a cold or flu.

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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.

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10 tips to fight the flu – infographic

Flu vaccine and good hygiene are some of the most important ways to help prevent colds and flu. Here's a handy list of tips to fight the flu.

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Cold or flu? (infographic)

Can't tell if you've got the cold or the flu? This infographic helps you compare cold and flu symptoms, debunk the most common myths.

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Fever in babies and children - infographic

When should a child with a fever see a doctor? How do I treat a fever at home? Answer these questions and more with this infographic about fever in children.

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Influenza A

Influenza A is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It’s not usually dangerous if you are healthy. Learn about the symptoms and how to treat it.

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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 difficult to tell the difference between them.

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Flu (influenza)

The flu is a viral infection affecting your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. It is typically more severe than a cold. Find out more about the flu.

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How colds and flu impact blood donations — and how you can help

Up to 1,400 people per day are cancelling their blood donation appointments, following an early start to the cold and flu season. Here's how your donation can help.

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Flu trends in Australia

Information about current influenza trends in Australia, including data for health professionals, plus tips and advice to help you prevent the flu.

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Fever in children

Fevers are quite common in young children and usually they are mild. Find out how to deal with fever and high temperatures in children here.

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Fever

A high temperature is a normal response to infection and can be a common sign of a cold or flu. Learn about how to take a temperature reading and self-care advice.

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Cold and flu during pregnancy

When you are pregnant you need to be careful how you treat cold or flu as it can effect your unborn baby.

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Colds and flu medication

Learn about over-the-counter medicines that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms and when antiviral medication may be helpful.

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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.

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Colds and flu in babies and children

Here is information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of coughs, colds and flu in children and babies and when to seek medical advice.

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How to supercharge your soup this winter

Get tips on how to make your soups even more nutritious and exciting this winter, and find out whether chicken soup can, in fact, cure the common cold.

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Zinc and your health

Zinc is a mineral that is essential for many of the body's normal functions and systems, including the immune system, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and the senses of taste and smell.

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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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Foods high in zinc

Foods high in zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, crab, lobster and dairy products. Here's how to get enough zinc in your diet.

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Ear infection

Ear infections are common but usually go away on their own. Learn about the symptoms in adults and children and how to prevent ear infections.

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MERS coronavirus

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is a disease the can cause fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in most infected people.

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a virus that can cause severe pneumonia. It spread from China in 2002-2003. Know what to do in a future outbreak.

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More Australians see their GP about mental health issues than about cold and flu

A survey has found that 65% of GPs see more patients for mental health than for any other issue. But are GPs the best port of call for depression and anxiety?

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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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School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at day-care or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

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Looking after a sick child

Mild illnesses are common in children, but knowing about symptoms will help you care for your child and know whether their condition is more serious.

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