Bites and stings

Learn about bites and stings from different creatures — such as dogs, snakes, insects and jellyfish — as well as stinging plants.

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Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction and can be fatal. Explore triggers, symptoms, treatment and what to do in an emergency.

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Insect bites and stings

Explore treatment and prevention methods for insect bites and stings. Learn about symptoms, first aid and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

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Sea creature bites and stings

Sea creature stings and bites can be serious due to venom through their teeth, tentacles, spines, or skin. Learn when to get help.

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Mosquito-borne diseases

Some illnesses are transmitted by mosquitoes ('mozzies'), including malaria, Dengue fever and the Zika virus. Here's what you need to know

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Insect bites - infographic

What you need to know about insect bites, including symptoms, treatment and signs of a severe allergic reaction.

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Summer skin rashes

Summer rashes can be caused by things like sunlight, insects, sweating and overheating - especially if you have allergies or other pre-existing skin conditions.

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Poisoning

Poisoning is common and most cases happen at home. Learn about the symptoms, prevention and what to do when there is a poisoning emergency.

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Bed bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on blood, cause itchy bites and can be hard to get rid of. Learn more about bed bug treatment and prevention.

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Insect stings - infographic

What you need to know about insect stings, including symptoms, treatment and signs of a severe allergic reaction.

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Jellyfish stings

Jellyfish stings are common and mostly just painful. Read this page to find out when you may need to get emergency medical attention.

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Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in your house, feeding on dust. Learn more about what you can do if they trigger allergy symptoms.

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Barmah Forest virus infection

Barmah Forest virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and is found only in Australia. Read on about the disease it casues, it’s treatment and prevention.

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Antihistamines

Antihistamine medications help ease allergy symptoms. Read more about how they're used to treat conditions like hay fever and asthma.

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Beach safety

While lifesavers watch over you, it's important that you learn about the flags, signs and rip currents. Here's how to enjoy a safe day at the beach.

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Snake bites

A snake bite is a medical emergency. Learn what to do if you're bitten by a snake. Find out about the symptoms and first aid for snake bites.

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Blisters

A blister is a painful sore where fluid forms between top layers of skin. Learn more on how to treat blisters and when to see a doctor.

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Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is swelling in your soft tissues due to fluid build-up in your lymphatic system. Find out about lymphoedema, its causes and treatments.

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First aid basics

First aid is what you do to help an injured or sick person immediately after an event. Learn about the 'DRSABCD' action plan and how to find a course.

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Collapsing

Collapsing has a range of causes, often occurring because of fainting. Find out about the causes of collapse and what to do if someone collapses.

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How to use an adrenaline autoinjector

An adrenaline autoinjector can, in an emergency, save the life of someone who is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Learn how to use one here.

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Spider bites

Find out what to do if you're bitten by a spider. Bites from funnel-web spiders, redback spiders and white tail spiders need different first aid.

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Stinging plants

Stinging trees and nettles can hurt. Find out what these plants look like, how to avoid getting stung and what to do when the worst happens.

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Dog, cat, bat and human bites

Dog, cat and human bites are the most common types of animal bite. Here's what to do if you get bitten by an animal or have contact with a bat.
Key facts

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Tick bites

Tick bites can cause allergies and transmit infections. Learn how you can avoid tick bites and what to do if you are bitten by a tick.

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