Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be very serious. It’s often caused by bacteria or viruses. Learn how to prevent getting pneumonia.
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Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaires' disease is a severe and sometimes life-threatening form of pneumonia. Read more information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral disease that can cause severe pneumonia. Know what to do in a future outbreak.
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Chest infection
Chest infections are common in people of all ages. Find out more about what causes chest infections, their symptoms and treatments.
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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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Pleural effusion
A pleural effusion is an abnormal build-up of fluid in the space around the lungs. It can be caused by many things, most commonly heart failure, pneumonia and cancer.
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Pneumococcal disease
Links to articles about pneumococcal disease.
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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection. It is rare in Australia, due to routine vaccination of babies. Learn about Hib symptoms.
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Invasive staph infections
Invasive staphylococcus (staph) infections are less common than staph skin infections but usually more severe. Learn about the different types here.
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E. coli infection
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria that causes minor and severe illness. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatments for E. coli.
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Symptoms of serious illness in babies and children
If your child has a serious illness, it's important to get medical attention quickly. Learn how to recognise the symptoms and what to do.
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Achalasia
Achalasia is a rare condition of the oesophagus (the food pipe) that stops food from entering the stomach properly. There is no cure, but there are different treatments to ease the symptoms.
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Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis damages the airways in the lungs, causing them to permanently widen. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent further damage.
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Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a small surgical opening in your neck that allows you to breathe through your throat instead of your nose and mouth.
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Respiratory system
Your respiratory system brings oxygen into your body and helps to remove carbon dioxide. Learn more about how it functions, how to keep it healthy, and related conditions.
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Chickenpox (varicella)
Chickenpox is a mild childhood illness, that can also occur in adults. It is occasionally serious. Here's how you can prevent catching chickenpox.
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What to expect in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU)
The intensive care unit (ICU) provides 24-hour care from a highly-trained team of specialists. Learn more about what to expect from the ICU.
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Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a lung disease is caused by asbestos dust, with symptoms such as shortness of breath usually appearing 10 to 20 years after exposure.
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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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Group B streptococcal infection
Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection is a bacterial infection. Find out about prevention, symptoms and treatment, including in babies and pregnancy.
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Doxycycline
Doxycycline is an antibiotic medicine. Read what doxycycline is used for, how it works, its risks and other treatment options available.
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Vasculitis
Vasculitis is a group of disorders and is caused by inflammation of blood vessels. Read more about vasculitis types, symptoms and treatment options.
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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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Pleurisy
Pleurisy occurs when the lining of the lungs become inflamed, most often due to a recent respiratory tract infection. Read about causes and treatments.
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Measles
Measles is a very infectious viral disease. It’s spread via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms of measles and why vaccination is essential.
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Cough
Most coughs are caused by viruses which inflame the throat, airways or lungs. Here are some tips to relieve a chesty, dry or persistent cough.
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Smallpox
Smallpox is a highly infectious disease, eradicated worldwide by successful vaccination. Read about prevention and its relationship to monkeypox.
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How do I know if I'm immune to measles?
Cases of measles have risen by 30% globally, and in places where it was eradicated — including Australia. Now's the time to check your immunity to measles or get vaccinated.
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Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea has increased
Cases of gonorrhoea have risen in Australia, and many people don't know they have it. But this STI can cause infertility if left untreated.
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Hiccups
Hiccups can be caused by overeating, or eating too quickly, spicy foods, hot or fizzy drinks, alcohol, smoking, stress, fear or excitement. Learn more about hiccups meaning, causes, and how to get rid of them.
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