Wounds, cuts and grazes

Wounds can be caused by an injury, an infection, or by chronic illnesses. Here’s how to look after wounds, cuts and grazes and when to get help.

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Oral sex and mouth care

Mouth sores can be caused as a result of oral sex. If you think you have developed mouth sores it is important to seek medical advice.

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Staph infections

Are you at risk of a staph infection? Learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of different kinds of staph infection, and how to prevent and treat it.

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Ear infection

Ear infections are common but usually go away on their own. Learn about the symptoms in adults and children and how to prevent ear infections.

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Bowel infections

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

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Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect the throat, the lungs, the skin, the bowel and many others parts of your body. They can be can be highly contagious. This page explains how to avoid spreading infections.

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Toenail infection

Toenail infections are common but they may also be a sign of other conditions. Find out more about what a toenail infection is, common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and prevention.

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Tapeworm infection

Tapeworms can cause infection when drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked meat from infected animals. Find out more about its symptoms and treatments.

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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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Differences between bacterial and viral infection

Bacterial and viral infections must be treated differently. Misusing antibiotics to treat viral infections leads to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

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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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Eye infections

Eye infections can be caused by either viruses or bacteria, or occasionally by a fungus. Learn about possible treatment options.

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Herpesvirus infections

Links to information about herpesvirus infections.

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Staph skin infection

Information on staph skin infections, what they are, the different types, treatments, prevention and when to get help.

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Campylobacter infection

Campylobacter infection (campylobacteriosis) causes gastroenteritis, but most people recover in 1 to 2 weeks with rest and fluids. Learn about the causes here.

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Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect men and women differently. Find out more about UTI symptoms, prevention and when to seek medical help.

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Otitis media (middle ear infection)

Otitis media (middle ear infection) is common and often disappears by itself. Know how to recognise the symptoms and when it might need treatment.

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HTLV-1 infection

Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a virus that infects T-cells, white blood cells that form part of the immune system. Learn more here.

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Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) can be unpleasant, but it will usually improve if treated promptly. Learn about symptoms and treatment here.

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Sexually transmitted infections (STI)

Sex is part of a healthy relationship, but can carry risks. Learn about safe sex, STIs, spotting symptoms, and what to do if you get infected.

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PrEP, the pill that can stop HIV infection, on PBS from April 1

A drug that can prevent HIV infection known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or 'PrEP', is to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

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Male groin - irritation and infection

Groin irritation and groin infection can be painful and annoying. There are many different causes ranging from friction, reaction to soaps or other household cleaning products and sweat build-up. Learn more about this condition here.

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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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Norovirus infection

Norovirus is one of several viruses that cause gastroenteritis. It’s spread easily, but good hygiene practices can help protect both you and others. Learn more.

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Coughs, colds and ear infections in children

It’s normal for a child to have 8 or more colds per year. Read this article to find out more about common childhood ailments.

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What causes cellulitis

Cellulitis is caused by bacterial infections.

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HIV infection and AIDS

Today, people with HIV are unlikely to develop AIDS if they get effective treatment. Here’s what to do if you think you might have been exposed.

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Vaginal and groin irritation and infection

Irritation around the sensitive skin of the groin or vagina can have many causes. Learn about this condition, and its treatment and prevention.

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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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Antibiotics

Antibiotics revolutionised medicine in the 1940s because they treated infections caused by bacteria. Learn how antibiotics work.

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