Respiratory syncytial virus

RSV infects a person's airways and lungs. Learn about the causes, treatment and prevention of RSV, and how to stop the virus from spreading.

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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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About coronaviruses

Coronaviruses can cause several illnesses, from the common cold to serious respiratory infections and pneumonia. Find out more about the symptoms here.

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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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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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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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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.

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Fever in children - infographic

When should a child with a fever see a doctor? How do I treat a fever at home? Answer these questions and more with this infographic about fever in children.

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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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Colds and flu in babies and children

Here is information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of coughs, colds and flu in children and babies and when to seek medical advice.

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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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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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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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Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the larger airways in your lungs, which causes an ongoing cough. Learn how to reduce the risk of bronchitis.

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Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection and swelling of the tonsils at the back of the throat. Learn about its symptoms and treatments.

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Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) which causes you to sound hoarse or to lose your voice. You can find out more on our trusted partner pages.

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Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a chest infection that affects a child’s ability to breathe freely. It usually appears in children under 12 months old.

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Flu trend report for health professionals

Staff at Healthdirect Australia collect influenza (flu) data based on calls to the healthdirect helpline. This page provides a detailed flu data report for health professionals.

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Hand washing

Hand washing is also one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection by the accumulation of germs on your hands.

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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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Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by bacteria called Streptococci. Learn more about what it is, and its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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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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Cough

Most coughs are caused by viruses which inflame the throat, windpipe or lungs. Here are some tips to relieve the symptoms.

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Sore throat (pharyngitis)

A sore throat is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection and is common with a cold or flu. Learn more about the self-care of sore throats.

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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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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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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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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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Endoscopic sinus surgery

Sinusitis is not usually serious but it can cause unpleasant symptoms. If medication does not help, endoscopic sinus surgery should help prevent the sinusitis from coming back.

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COVID-19 information by state and territory

Links to state and territory-based information on COVID-19, regarding health, travel restrictions, events, school, self-isolation and work.

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