Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be very serious. It’s often caused by bacteria or viruses. Learn how to prevent getting pneumonia.
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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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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral disease that can cause severe pneumonia. Know what to do in a future outbreak.
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Chest infection
Chest infections are common in people of all ages. Find out more about what causes chest infections, their symptoms and treatments.
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About coronaviruses
Coronaviruses can cause several illnesses, from the common cold to serious respiratory infections and pneumonia. Learn more about coronaviruses.
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Pleural effusion
A pleural effusion is an abnormal build-up of fluid in the space around the lungs. It can be caused by many things, most commonly heart failure, pneumonia and cancer.
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Pneumococcal disease
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that is easily spread. Read more about pneumococcal symptoms, treatment and vaccination here.
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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection. It is rare in Australia, due to routine vaccination of babies. Learn about Hib symptoms.
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Invasive staph infections
Invasive staphylococcus (staph) infections are less common than staph skin infections but usually more severe. Learn about the different types here.
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Symptoms of serious illness in babies and children
If your child has a serious illness, it's important to get medical attention quickly. Learn how to recognise the symptoms and what to do.
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E. coli infection
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria found in the gut. E. coli infection can cause diarrhoea and vomiting, it is often spread by eating contaminated food.
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Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis damages the airways in the lungs, causing them to permanently widen. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent further damage.
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Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a small surgical opening in your neck that allows you to breathe through your throat instead of your nose and mouth.
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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.
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What to expect in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU)
The intensive care unit (ICU) provides 24-hour care from a highly-trained team of specialists. Learn more about what to expect from the ICU.
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Group B streptococcal infection
Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection is a bacterial infection. Find out about prevention, symptoms and treatment, including in babies and pregnancy.
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Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a lung disease is caused by asbestos dust, with symptoms such as shortness of breath usually appearing 10 to 20 years after exposure.
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Melioidosis
Melioidosis is a disease caused by bacterium, which can be life-threatening. If you have melioidosis, you must get treated quickly.
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Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in your lungs, which causes a cough. Learn about the symptoms and treatment of acute bronchitis.
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Chest injuries
A chest injury is any injury to your chest area, between your neck and abdomen (tummy). Read about the causes and signs of injury and what to do.
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Doxycycline
Doxycycline is an antibiotic medicine. Read what doxycycline is used for, how it works, its risks and other treatment options available.
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Respiratory system
Your respiratory system brings oxygen into your body and helps to remove carbon dioxide. Learn more about how it functions and how to keep it healthy.
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Vasculitis
Vasculitis is a group of disorders and is caused by inflammation of blood vessels. Read more about vasculitis types, symptoms and treatment options.
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What you need to know about acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children
Learn more about acute hepatitis with no known cause that’s affecting children under the age of 16.
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Measles
Measles is a very infectious viral disease. It’s spread via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms of measles and why vaccination is essential.
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Cough
Most coughs are caused by viruses which inflame the throat, airways or lungs. Here are some tips to relieve a chesty, dry or persistent cough.
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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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Hiccups
Hiccups can be caused by overeating, or eating too quickly, spicy foods, hot or fizzy drinks, alcohol, smoking, stress, fear or excitement. Learn more about hiccups meaning, causes, and how to get rid of them.
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Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Read about symptoms, causes and treatment of osteomyelitis, and how you can prevent permanent bone damage.
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Achalasia
Achalasia is a rare condition affecting the oesophagus, hindering food passage. There is no cure, but there are treatments to ease the symptoms.
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