What is the difference between bacterial and viral infections?

Bacterial and viral infections can have similar symptoms but are treated differently. Find out more about bacterial and viral infections.

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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.

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Notification of illness and disease

Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases that cause muscle weakness. Learn more about the different types, symptoms and treatment options.

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Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infectious disease that usually affects your nose and throat. Learn more about diphtheria symptoms, treatment and vaccination.

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Smallpox

Smallpox is a highly infectious disease, eradicated worldwide by successful vaccination. Read about prevention and its relationship to mpox.

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Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs. It can live in your body for years before causing symptoms.

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Mpox (Monkeypox)

Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare infectious disease related to smallpox. While symptoms are usually mild, it can be serious and need medical attention.

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Glandular fever

Glandular fever (also called 'kissing disease') is an infectious disease common in teenagers and young adults. Learn how glandular fever can spread.

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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.

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Ebola virus

Ebola virus disease is a rare but often fatal illness. Find out more about Ebola transmission (spread), symptoms and treatment options.

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Contact tracing

Contact tracing is a method used to slow the spread of infections by identifying people who have been in contact with an infected person.

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Pubic lice (crabs)

Pubic lice (crabs) are tiny insects spread mainly by sexual contact. Find out the symptoms, the treatment and how to stop pubic lice spreading.

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Travel vaccinations

Find out why vaccinations are important before you travel overseas. Learn about the vaccines you need to consider, their side effects and safety.

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Safe travels! 10 tips for a healthy holiday

Travel can be great, but there are some risks involved, especially overseas. Make the most of your holiday and have a safe trip by using these health tips.

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Personal hygiene

Good personal hygiene is important and will prevent you from catching or spreading germs. Learn more about how to look after your body here.

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Homeopathy

Learn about homeopathy what it is and when it’s appropriate. Explore its uses and where the evidence for homeopathy supports effectiveness and safety.

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How the HPV vaccine is eliminating cervical cancer in Australia

Australia could be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, thanks to the free HPV immunisation program and new Cervical Screening Test.

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Granulomas

A granuloma is a cluster of white blood cells and other tissue. Find out more about granulomas, what causes them and how they are treated.

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Bowel infections

Bowel or gastrointestinal infections can affect anyone. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of different bowel infections.

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Vitamin D and your health

Vitamin D is important for our health. Read about sources of vitamin D – sunlight and foods – and what happens if we don’t get enough vitamin D.

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Mesenteric adenitis

Mesenteric adenitis causes tummy pain due to swollen lymph nodes and is common in children under 16 years old. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

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Leprosy

Leprosy is a bacterial infection that mostly affects your skin and nerves. Leprosy is rare in Australia and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

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Erythromelalgia

Erythromelalgia is a rare skin condition which causes redness, burning pain and hot skin on your feet or hands. Read more about erythromelalgia here.

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Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect many parts of your body. Find out about bacterial infections, how they are treated and how to stop them spreading.

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Anthrax

Anthrax is rare in Australia. It is a serious bacterial infection you can catch from contact with infected animals or animal products.

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Assistance dog

Assistance or service dogs are trained to help people living with disability. Find out more about assistance dogs, their training and NDIS funding on this page.

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Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. A quick diagnosis is vital. Find out about the risks and symptoms of endocarditis here.

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What do paediatricians do?

Paediatricians provide care for babies, kids and teenagers. Ask them about childhood illnesses and physical, mental and behavioural development.

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Tapeworm infection

Tapeworm infections happen when you drink contaminated water or eat undercooked meat from infected animals. Learn about symptoms and treatments here.

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Lyme disease

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria from a tick bite. However, these bacteria have not been found in Australia. Find out more about Lyme disease here.

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