Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Search results for: "varicella"

Symptom checker

Our Symptom checker provides clinical advice on what to do next based on your symptoms.

Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox is a mild childhood illness, that can also occur in adults. It is occasionally serious. Here's how you can prevent catching chickenpox.

Read more

Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Here's how to recognise the symptoms, prevent shingles and get the best treatment for you.

Read more

Shingles — infographic

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash. This infographic provides you with information on the symptoms, treatments and vaccination.

Read more

Kids' health

Discover more about health topics relevant to kids and their parents and carers, such as fever and high temperature, medicines, vomiting, mental health and chickenpox.

Read more

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.

Read more

Vaccinations and pregnancy

Vaccination is especially important before and during pregnancy. Read on to learn why, as well as information on side effects and costs.

Read more

How do I know if I'm immune to measles?

Cases of measles have risen by 30% globally, and in places where it was eradicated — including Australia. Now's the time to check your immunity to measles or get vaccinated.

Read more

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.

Read more

What is the difference between bacterial and viral infections?

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

Read more

What's the difference between food allergy and intolerance — and other health concepts?

Wonder why psychiatrists and psychologists are different? Did you know that prebiotics and probiotics are not the same? Learn the differences between those things, and more.

Read more

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.