Poisoning

Poisoning is common and most cases happen at home. Learn about the symptoms, prevention and what to do when there is a poisoning emergency.

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Swallowed substances

Common household products are often swallowed by accident. Find out how you can prevent these accidents and what to do when they happen.

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Ciguatera poisoning

Ciguatera poisoning only comes from certain fish from warm waters and can cause severe complications. Read on for management and prevention advice.

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Lead exposure and poisoning

Lead exposure happens when you breathe in or swallow contaminated materials. Learn more about lead exposure and lead poisoning and how to prevent it.

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Pesticide poisoning

Pesticides are used to prevent, destroy, or reduce the spread of pests. When using pesticides it is important to follow the directions on the label.

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Accidentally eating unsafe foods (ingesting questionable foods)

Avoid unsafe foods like expired, mouldy, or contaminated items. Watch for symptoms and seek medical help if needed.

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Underlying causes of vomiting

Your vomiting may be due to many reasons. Learn more about different causes of vomiting such as infections, migraine, and medical treatments.

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Arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical found in water, food and soil that is toxic when someone is exposed to a significant amount.

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Inhaled substance or foreign object

Substances such as a liquid, powder and gas or small objects can be breathed in accidentally. Learn what to do if you inhale a substance.

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Food poisoning

Food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses or toxins in the food we eat. Learn more about food safety and how to avoid getting food poisoning.

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Scheduling of medicines and poisons

The scheduling of medicines is a national classification system that controls how medicines and poisons are made available to the public.

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This festive season, don't give your loved ones food poisoning

With the festive season comes the risk of food poisoning. Follow these tips to stay healthy and safe when entertaining at home.

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Listeria and listeriosis

Listeriosis, a food poisoning caused by Listeria bacteria, poses risks for pregnant women, older people and those with weak immune systems.

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Barbecuing food safely

Food poisoning cases increase during the barbecue season, so remember these simple steps to help keep your food safe on the ‘barbie’.

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Liver failure

Liver failure may be caused by some medical conditions, infections, poisons and excessive alcohol use. Learn how to reduce your risk.

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Mental health services — infographic

There are several organisations that provide much of the support and education for people with mental illness and their families and carers throughout Australia.

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healthdirect Symptom Checker

Not feeling well? Use the healthdirect Symptom Checker to better understand your symptoms and get advice on when to seek medical attention.

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How healthdirect can help you

healthdirect provides easy access to trusted, quality health information and advice online and over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you make informed choices anywhere, any time.

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Mental health helplines

Information about key groups that can help with mental health problems, including healthdirect partners and leading Australian health organisations.

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Stinging plants

Stinging trees and nettles can hurt. Find out what these plants look like, how to avoid getting stung and what to do when the worst happens.

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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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Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious condition which can lead to septic shock, organ failure and even death if not diagnosed and treated early. Find out more here.

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Causes of diarrhoea

Read more about what can cause diarrhoea. Various acute infections as well as long-term health conditions, bowel disease and even medical treatments.

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Dental problems

Dental problems can include teeth grinding, decay and abscess, learn how to prevent and treat them.

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Mosquito-borne diseases

Some illnesses are transmitted by mosquitoes ('mozzies'), including malaria, Dengue fever and the Zika virus. Here's what you need to know

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Accidents and injuries

Injuries can be caused by small incidents to major accidents. Learn about causes, symptoms and treatments, as well as how to be prepared with a good first aid kit.

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Quitting vaping: the health reasons why you should give up vaping

Thinking of quitting vaping? Having a reason can make it easier. Improving your health is a common motive. Here’s how quitting can boost your health.

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Swallowed object

Swallowing foreign objects, such as button batteries or magnets, can be dangerous. Know what to do if someone swallows a dangerous object.

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Bites and stings

Learn about bites and stings from different creatures — such as dogs, snakes, insects and jellyfish — as well as stinging plants.

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Brain diseases, disorders and injuries

Brain conditions consist of diseases, injuries, syndromes and infections. They have a huge variety of symptoms, treatments and prognoses, and you can learn more about them here.

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