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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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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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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Throat diseases

Links to artciles about throat diseases.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Can you boost your immune system against the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

It's OK to feel anxious about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Here's what you can do to protect yourself from viruses — and what won't help, such as face masks or supplements.

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Influenza A (flu)

Influenza A is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It’s not usually dangerous if you are healthy, but can cause serious problems if you’re not. Find out more about what influenza A is, what the symptoms are and how to treat it.

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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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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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Flu trends in Australia

Information about current influenza trends in Australia, including data for health professionals, plus tips and advice to help you prevent the flu.

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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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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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Anosmia (loss of smell)

Anosmia is the medical term for loss of smell. Find out about the causes, symptoms and treatments of anosmia.

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