Infectious diseases

There are many different kinds of infectious diseases. Find out about conditions such as shingles, chlamydia, measles, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and more here.

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Notification of illness and disease

‘Notifiable’ diseases are ones where government health authorities must be notified about occurrences. Learn why this is important and about the information.

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Smallpox

Smallpox is a highly infectious disease, eradicated worldwide by successful vaccination. Read about prevention and its relationship to monkeypox.

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Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infectious disease that usually affects your nose and throat. Learn more about diphtheria symptoms, treatment and vaccination.

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Anthrax

Anthrax is very rare in Australia. It is a serious infectious disease you can catch if in contact with infected animals or animal products.

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Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs. It can live in your body for years before causing symptoms.

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Mpox (Monkeypox)

Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare infectious disease related to smallpox. While symptoms are usually mild, it can be serious and need medical attention.

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Glandular fever

Glandular fever (also called 'kissing disease') is an infectious disease common in teenagers and young adults. Learn how glandular fever can spread.

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School exclusion for health reasons

Kids with certain infectious diseases must stay away from school or childcare. Find out how exclusions work and when your child can return to school.

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Ebola virus

Ebola virus disease is a rare but often fatal illness. Find out more about Ebola transmission (spread), symptoms and treatment options.

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Travel vaccinations

Find out why vaccinations are important before you travel overseas. Learn about the vaccines you need to consider, their side effects and safety.

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Pubic lice (crabs)

Pubic lice (crabs) are tiny insects spread mainly by sexual contact. Find out the symptoms, the treatment and how to stop pubic lice spreading.

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Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect many parts of your body. Find out about bacterial infections, how they are treated and how to stop them spreading.

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Safe travels! 10 tips for a healthy holiday

Travel can be great, but there are some risks involved, especially overseas. Make the most of your holiday and have a safe trip by using these health tips.

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Personal hygiene

Good personal hygiene is important and will prevent you from catching or spreading germs. Learn more about how to look after your body here.

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Homeopathy

Learn about homeopathy what it is and when it’s appropriate. Explore its uses and where the evidence for homeopathy supports effectiveness and safety.

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How the HPV vaccine is eliminating cervical cancer in Australia

Australia could be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, thanks to the free HPV immunisation program and new Cervical Screening Test.

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Granulomas

A granuloma is a cluster of white blood cells and other tissue. Find out more about granulomas, what causes them and how they are treated.

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Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. A quick diagnosis is vital. Find out about the risks and symptoms of endocarditis here.

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Bowel infections

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

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Vitamin D and your health

Vitamin D is important for our health. Read about sources of vitamin D – sunlight and foods – and what happens if we don’t get enough vitamin D.

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Mesenteric adenitis

Mesenteric adenitis causes tummy pain due to swollen lymph nodes and is common in children under 16 years old. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

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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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Leprosy

Leprosy is a bacterial infection that mostly affects your skin and nerves. Leprosy is rare in Australia and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

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Lyme disease

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria from a tick bite. However, these bacteria have not been found in Australia. Find out more about Lyme disease here.

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What do paediatricians do?

Paediatricians diagnose, treat and provide care for babies, kids and teenagers; including illnesses and physical, mental and behavioural development.

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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.

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Blood donation

Australia relies on the generosity of donors who volunteer their time and blood. Learn more about the blood donation process and how to donate.

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Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that may cause no symptoms. Learn about prevention, testing, contact tracing and treatment.

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Routine antenatal tests

During pregnancy, you'll be offered various blood tests and ultrasound scans. Find out what each test can tell you about you and your baby's health.

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