Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a group of illnesses that damage your liver. Learn more about the different types, causes, symptoms and treatment for hepatitis.

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What you need to know about acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children

Learn more about acute hepatitis with no known cause that’s affecting children under the age of 16.

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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an illness that causes inflmmation to your liver. Hepatitis A usually doesn't cause long-term damage like other types of hepatitis can.

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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.

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Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause serious liver disease in an infected person. The hepatitis C virus is usually transmitted when blood from an infected person enters the bloodstream of another person.

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Needlestick injuries

If skin is punctured by a sharp medical tool like a scalpel or needle on a syringe, it is called a ‘needlestick injury’. Here's information about needlestick injuries from healthdirect and their partners.

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Cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis is permanent liver scarring due to various liver diseases and conditions. Discover its nature, symptoms, and treatment options.

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Jaundice in adults

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It can affect newborns; however, this information is about jaundice in adults, its associated symptoms, underlying causes and treatment options.

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Liver cancer

Liver cancer is one of the top 10 causes of cancer deaths in Australia. Learn more here about liver cancer and the different types and treatments.

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Blood donation

Australia relies on the generosity of donors who volunteer their time and blood. Learn more about the blood donation process and how to donate.

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Screening tests for STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) won't always cause symptoms. If you're sexually active, your doctor might recommend regular STI screening tests.

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Travel vaccinations

Find out why vaccinations are important before you travel overseas, and learn about the vaccines you need to consider, their side effects and safety.

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Nursing post

A nursing post is a health centre staffed by nurses or nurse practitioners, who have the training necessary to provide medical services, including emergency care.

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Encephalopathy

An encephalopathy refers to any disturbance of the brain's functioning. Learn about symptoms, treatments and signs of a medical emergency.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine treatment. Practitioners use needles to stimulate points in the body to help in the treatment of some conditions.

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Body piercing

Deciding to get body piercing or a tattoo is a personal decision. Read on for things to consider, and tips to help keep you healthy and safe.

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Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids can enhance sports performance and body image, but they are illegal in Australia unless prescribed by a doctor and can do long-term harm to your body.

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Contact tracing

Contact tracing is a method used to slow the spread of infections by identifying people who have been in contact with an infected person.

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Pain relief during labour

Learn what options are available to you to relieve pain during labour pain, and how your birth support partner can help you.

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Ice (crystal meth)

Ice, also known as crystal meth, is a very addictive illegal drug. Find out more about ice, including what it is and the dangers of its use.

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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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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.

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Opioids

Opioids are a group of medicines prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Learn about side effects, withdrawal symptoms and what to do in an overdose.

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Heroin

Heroin is an illegal, addictive drug with many side effects. Find out more about the dangers of long-term heroin use, addiction and rehabilitation.

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Cocaine

Cocaine, or 'coke', is an addictive drug that can cause unwanted effects. Learn more about cocaine’s effects and the risks associated with its use.

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PrEP, the pill that can stop HIV infection, on PBS from April 1

A drug that can prevent HIV infection known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or 'PrEP', is to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

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Testing times for HIV

While new notifications of HIV have generally stabilised, rates have increased among heterosexual people and indigenous people. Here's how to get tested for, and prevent, HIV.

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Blood transfusion

Blood transfusion is a safe procedure. Find out about the different types, why you might need a blood transfusion and what happens when you receive it.

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Liver function tests

Liver function tests are blood tests that can check how your liver is working. Find out what LFTs test for and what your results may mean

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What is the difference between bacterial and viral infections?

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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