Winter health hazards at home

Keeping warm indoors means watching out for heaters and other things that can cause burns and scalds. These simple tips should help to keep you safe.

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How to socialise without alcohol during the holiday season

Learn practical ways to attend and host parties without drinking alcohol — and still have fun.

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Urine tests

Urine tests are used for many different reasons. They can diagnose conditions, such as pregnancy, infections, diseases and screen for drug use.

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Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t get enough vitamin D to function well. Learn about the symptoms, who's at risk and how to get enough vitamin D.

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5 ways to protect your health from the effects of climate change

Here’s what you need to know about the impact of climate change on your health and what you can do to protect yourself.

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Dust storms

A dust storm reduces the quality of the air that we breathe, which can cause health problems. Learn how to protect yourself in a dust storm.

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Sjögren’s syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is a condition of your immune system that commonly affects your eyes and salivary glands. Here's how your doctor may diagnose it.

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How to avoid COVID-19

There are many ways to reduce your risk of COVID-19, including physical distancing, wearing a mask, hand washing and getting vaccinated.

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What is COVID-19?

Get information about COVID-19, including on variants such as Omicron, plus how it’s spread and how to avoid it.

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Zika virus

Learn about the Zika virus, and why it's advisable for pregnant women to avoid travelling to countries with outbreaks.

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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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Perfume stinks: how fragrances can affect your health

Fragrances and fragranced products cause health problems, such as asthma and headaches, in 1 in 3 people. Find out what you can do if you experience symptoms.

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Managing your alcohol intake

Know how to drink safely and responsibly using these strategies and tips, as well as links to online tools to help you manage your drinking.

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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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Vitamin D and your health

Vitamin D is very important for bone health. Learn about natural sources, supplements and health risks associated with too much or too little vitamin D.

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Defibrillators

A defibrillator can save someone's life if they have a cardiac arrest. Learn more about defibrillators and how to find and use one.

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Sources high in vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and healthy bones and muscles. Most vitamin D comes from sunlight, but it's also found in some foods.

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Pollen allergy

If you have pollen allergy, you may experience hay fever and asthma symptoms. Get tips on how to help manage your exposure to pollen.

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COVID-19 close contacts and carers

Many people with mild COVID-19 symptoms can be cared for at home. Here's what you need to know if a household member has tested positive for COVID-19.

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Grass allergy

Grass allergy causes someone to have an allergic reaction to grass pollen spread by the wind. Learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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Cat and dog allergy

Allergies to pets are common, particularly cats and dogs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Learn more about how to live with a pet allergy.

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Melioidosis

Melioidosis is a disease caused by bacterium, which can be life-threatening. If you have melioidosis, you must get treated quickly.

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Passive smoking and vaping

Passive smoke and vapour can damage your health if you breathe it in, especially for babies, children and pregnant women. Learn about the risks.

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Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition where your body overheats. Learn what to do if you develop heatstroke and how you can avoid it happening.

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Do face masks protect you from bushfire smoke?

Face masks won’t necessarily protect you from the poor air quality being caused by Australian bushfire smoke. Here's why, and what you can do to protect yourself.

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Group exercise for beginners

Group exercise is when you train with others for fitness or as a form of physical recreation for fun. Group exercise could be team sport or a fitness class.

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Your Christmas mental health questions answered

healthdirect's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nirvana Luckraj, answers your questions on looking after your mental health at Christmas time.

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Chikungunya virus

Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes. It is found mainly in Africa and Asia, so if you're travelling to these areas, you should take precautions against insect bites.

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Malaria

Malaria is a disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, which causes an infection of the red blood cells.

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Ross River virus infection

Ross River virus is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, rash and joint pain. Most people recover in a few weeks. Learn more here.

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