Influenza A

Influenza A is a virus that can cause the flu and serious illness. Learn about influenza A subtypes, and how vaccination can prevent infection.

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Flu (influenza)

The flu is a viral infection affecting your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. It is typically more severe than a cold. Find out more about the flu.

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Cold or flu? (infographic)

Can't tell if you've got the cold or the flu? This infographic helps you compare cold and flu symptoms, debunk the most common myths.

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Avian influenza (bird flu)

Information about avian influenza (bird flu) from leading Australian health organisations, including links to content on avian influenza in humans.

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What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) or a new influenza virus. Here's what you need to know, including how epidemics are different.

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10 tips to fight the flu – infographic

Flu vaccine and good hygiene are some of the most important ways to help prevent colds and flu. Here's a handy list of tips to fight the flu.

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Flu vaccine FAQs

Find out when to get your flu shot and learn about its side effects, effectiveness and safety. Is flu vaccination impacted by COVID-19?

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Colds and flu

Find out more about how to treat the cold or flu, how to avoid catching the cold or the flu and special cases in which to take extra care.

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How colds and flu impact blood donations — and how you can help

Up to 1,400 people per day are cancelling their blood donation appointments, following an early start to the cold and flu season. Here's how your donation can help.

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Sinusitis

Sinusitis is when the hollow spaces in the bones of your face become inflamed. Sinusitis is a common symptom for colds and the flu and it can be difficult to tell the difference between them.

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Fever

A high temperature is a normal response to infection and can be a sign of a cold or flu. Learn how to take your temperature and care for yourself.

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Colds

A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, the throat and upper airways. Find out more about the common cold.

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Medicines for cold and flu

Learn about over-the-counter medicines that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms and when antiviral medicine may be helpful.

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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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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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Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in your lungs, which causes a cough. Learn about the symptoms and treatment of acute bronchitis.

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Croup

Croup is very common in children under 5 years old. Find out how croup is diagnosed and treated here.

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Egg allergy

Egg allergy usually starts in infancy, but most children grow out of it. Learn about the symptoms and diagnosis of egg allergy, plus ways to avoid egg.

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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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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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Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs to some humans and animals in humid conditions. The condition is treatable, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid getting leptospirosis.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for certain long-term lung conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

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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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Notification of illness and disease

‘Notifiable’ diseases are ones where government health authorities must be notified about occurrences. Learn why this is important and about the information.

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COVID-19 symptoms

Learn to recognise mild, moderate and severe symptoms of COVID-19, and when to seek medical advice from your GP or another healthcare professional.

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School exclusion periods

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

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8 ‘healthy’ habits that might not be so healthy

'Healthy’ habits, such as removing ear wax or drinking kombucha, might not be that healthy after all. They might even be harmful. Check this list and start 2020 right.

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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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Immunisation or vaccination - what's the difference?

What's the difference between immunisation and vaccination? Find out how vaccines work and the difference between primary and booster doses.

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Anosmia (loss of smell)

Anosmia is the medical term for loss of smell. It is often age-related. Find out more about the causes, diagnosis and complications of anosmia.

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