Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an illness that inflames and damages a person's liver. Here's what you need to know about the types, causes and symptoms of 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 scarring of the liver caused by a range of liver diseases and conditions. Find out more about what it is, its 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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Digestive system cancers

Information about digestive system cancers from leading Australian health organisations.

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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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Vaccinations and pregnancy

The immune system can weaken during pregnancy, so you can be more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Certain vaccinations are recommended.

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Travel vaccinations

Find out why vaccinations — such as influenza, measles, typhoid — are important before overseas travel. Learn about 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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Fatty liver

Fatty liver is common, particularly in people with diabetes and who are overweight. Although it might not cause any symptoms, it can lead to significant health problems. Making changes to your lifestyle is key to preventing and improving the condition.

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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 abuse.

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Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive drug with many serious side effects. Find out more about heroin's effects and the dangers of long term abuse and addiction.

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Cocaine

Cocaine, or 'coke' as it is commonly known, is a highly addictive drug associated with health issues and other problems. Learn more about its physical effects and the risks associated to cocaine use.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture, which originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, uses needles to stimulate points in the body. It appears to help in the treatment of some conditions.

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Encephalopathy

An encephalopathy refers to any disturbance of the brain's functioning that leads to problems like confusion and memory loss. Read more here.

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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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Speed

Speed is a drug that can become addictive and lead to health, social and financial problems. Find out about its effects and associated risks.

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Immunisation and vaccinations for your child

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children against certain diseases. Discover more about childhood vaccinations.

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Liver function tests

Liver function tests are blood tests that can provide information about how your liver is working.

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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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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 their side effects, withdrawal symptoms and what to do in an overdose.

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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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Oral sex and mouth care

Mouth sores can be caused as a result of oral sex. If you think you have developed mouth sores it is important to seek medical advice.

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Liver biopsy

A liver biopsy removes small pieces of tissue from your liver using a needle. The procedure is performed by a radiologist (doctor who specialises in x-rays and scans).

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