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Infectious diseases

There are many different kinds of infectious diseases. Find out about conditions such as shingles, chlamydia, measles, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and more here.

Tuberculosis

This highly infectious disease, which mostly affects the lungs, can be spread through coughing, sneezing, speaking or even singing.

School exclusion for health reasons

Kids with certain infectious diseases must stay away from school or childcare. Find out how exclusions work and when your child can return to school.

Glandular fever

Glandular fever (also called the ‘kissing disease’) is an infectious disease which is common in teenagers and young adults. Learn how glandular fever can be spread.

Glandular fever symptoms

Glandular fever (also called the ‘kissing disease’) is an infectious disease which is common in teenagers and young adults. Find out more about the symptoms of glandular fever.

Glandular fever treatments

Glandular fever (also called the ‘kissing disease’) is an infectious disease which is common in teenagers and young adults. Learn more about the treatments for glandular fever.

Smallpox

Smallpox was a highly infectious disease, now eradicated worldwide through successful vaccination. The last case in Australia was in 1938. Learn more here.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease. It is very rare in Australia, but you can still catch it if you have contact with infected animals or animal products.

Glandular fever prevention

Glandular fever (also called the ‘kissing disease’) is an infectious disease which is common in teenagers and young adults. Find out more about how to prevent glandular fever.

School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at day-care or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a rare infectious bacterial disease that usually affects the nose and throat. Learn more about its vaccination, symptoms and how it spreads.

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