Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, often caused by bacteria or viruses. It can be mild or very serious. Learn more about the illness.

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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 virus that can cause severe pneumonia. It spread from China in 2002-2003. Know what to do in a future outbreak.

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Chest infection

Chest infections are common in people of all ages and can easily be spread. Learn more here about the causes, symptoms and treatments for chest infections.

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Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is performed to create a small opening in the front of the neck into the windpipe to allow breathing through the throat.

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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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MERS coronavirus

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is a disease the can cause fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in most infected people.

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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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Invasive staph infections

Invasive staphylococchus (staph) infections, although far less common than staph skin infections, are usually more severe. Learn more about the different types here.

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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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E. coli infection

E. coli (or escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that causes both minor and severe illness. Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of E. coli here.

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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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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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Doxycycline

Doxycycline is an antibiotic medicine. This page explains what doxycycline is used for, how it works, its risks and other treatment options available in its place.

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Group B streptococcal disease

Group B streptococcal disease is a bacterial infection. A mother can pass it to her baby during childbirth, and if not treated it can be serious. Learn more.

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Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, although it can also occur in adults and is occasionally serious. Here’s how to help ease the symptoms.

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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection, although the routine vaccination of babies has meant it is now rare in Australia. Learn more here.

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Should I bother getting a flu vaccination in Australia in 2021?

Rates of influenza in 2020 were very low, due to COVID-safe practices. But it's still worth getting vaccinated against the deadly flu. Here's why.

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Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Read more about symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis.

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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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Kidney pain

Find out more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of kidney pain from our trusted partners.

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The best way to prevent getting influenza (‘the flu’)

Learn how to protect yourself from the flu, the benefits of the influenza vaccine and who can get the influenza vaccine for free.

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Measles

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease, spread from person to person via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms and why vaccination is essential.

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Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax (known as collapsed lung) is a reasonably common condition that occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall.

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Cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder, and is usually done using keyhole surgery. Find out how and why this operation is performed.

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Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial throat infection that usually affects primary school-aged children. Find out about its symptoms as well as treatments and preventions.

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Dopamine

Dopamine is a chemical released in the brain that makes you feel good. Find out here why the right amount of dopamine is important both for your body and your brain.

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