What is croup?
Croup is caused by a virus infection. A young child (usually under 5 years) becomes mildly unwell with what seems to be a normal 'cold'. The virus infection then causes the lining of the airway (windpipe) in the child's neck to swell, causing the ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
Needlestick injury
A needlestick injury means the skin is accidentally punctured by a used needle. Blood-borne diseases that could be transmitted by such an injury include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). Some people, ... [... more]
Better Health |
HIV and AIDS - infection control in hospitals
Hospitals follow strict infection control guidelines to prevent the spread of HIV to patients. This includes disposing of needles and syringes after one use and sterilising instruments after every use. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus ... [... more]
Better Health |
Tonsillitis explained
The tonsils sit at the back of the mouth and are part of the body's immune system. Most tonsillitis is caused by viruses, with about 15 per cent of cases caused by bacteria. It is usually not possible to tell which type of infection it is without ... [... more]
Better Health |
Sexually transmitted infections in Victoria 2000
The Department of Human Services collates data on sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Victoria. Detailed information is collected on diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), gonorrhoea, ... [... more]
Better Health |
HIV and AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In Australia, HIV is most commonly spread by sexual intercourse without a condom and by sharing needles, syringes and other injecting equipment. The human ... [... more]
Better Health |
HIV/AIDS hepatitis and sport
The risk that a player infected with HIV or hepatitis B or C will spread these blood borne viruses (BBVs) to other players is extremely small. It is unlawful to prevent a person infected with HIV or hepatitis B from participating in sport. ... [... more]
Better Health |
What is a cold?
A cold is caused by a virus that affects the nose and throat. It is the most common infectious illness, especially for young children. Young children may have 8 to 10 colds each year, with the highest number usually being during the first two ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
Mosquito bites
They can spread several different human infections, depending on where you live. In Southern Australia, they can spread Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infections, while they may spread malaria and Japanese encephalitis in the far north ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
Insect Repellents
Mossies can spread several different human infections, depending on where you live. In southern Australia, they can spread Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infections, while they may spread malaria and Japanese encephalitis in the far ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
What is hepatitis B?
There are five viruses which are known to cause infection of the liver as their main effect. These are Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. SA Health 'Why I need protection against hepatitis B disease'. SA Health 'Hepatitis' NHMRC 'The Australian ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
What causes glandular fever?
The virus (germ) causing Glandular Fever (which is also called Infectious Mononucleosis or 'Mono') is very common, and almost everyone will have been infected by the time they are adults. In developing countries most children get the infection ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
