Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver. It is a very common infection which occurs in every country in the world. It is a very different disease to hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Hepatitis A is something to be avoided. It can make you feel ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
Gastroenteritis - an overview
Gastroenteritis is an illness triggered by the infection and inflammation of the digestive system. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Some of the causes include viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxins, parasites, particular ... [... more]
Better Health |
HIV and men - safe sex
The way the virus gains entry to another person may be directly across the mucosa (the lining of the vagina or bowel) or into the bloodstream. HIV can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy or birth, or via breast milk. Transmission can ... [... more]
Better Health |
Genital warts
Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Some strains of HPV infect the cervix and can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Pap tests (smears) can pick ... [... more]
Better Health |
Children - when to see the doctor
Parents worry about whether symptoms in their young child are a sign of a serious illness, or just another virus infection. It's important to pick up the early signs of illness: there are some key symptoms to watch out for. One of the major ... [... more]
Better Health |
Cold sores
Cold sores are a skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Most people are infected in childhood but do not experience any symptoms. Some people with the virus experience cold sores, which are fluid-filled blisters. People with cold ... [... more]
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Infections - bacterial and viral
Many human illnesses are caused by infection with either bacteria or viruses. To cause disease, these micro-organisms have to gain access to the body. Bacteria reproduce by splitting in two, while viruses replicate themselves inside host ... [... more]
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Tonsillitis
Tonsils are glands at the side and the back of the throat that help the body fight infections. Tonsillitis is when there is an infection of the tonsils, usually caused by a virus. Only about 15% are caused by bacteria. The tonsils can become very ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
Reasons for not giving the vaccine
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus infection in the bowel. It mainly affects children under 5 years of age. Most people who get the infection either do not get sick, or they have only a short illness with ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum are small painless pink or pearly white lumps that appear in small groups on the skin, often on the back or chest, and sometimes on the face. They are caused by a virus called the molluscipoxvirus. They will go away without ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
HIV treatment
New drug treatments for HIV offer most people infected with the virus the chance to control the virus and stay healthy for much longer. Currently, five main classes of drugs are taken in combination. Drug treatment does not prevent transmission ... [... more]
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Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that causes inflammation (swelling and pain) of the liver. In Australia, it is commonly spread through sharing unsterile needles, syringes and other injecting drug equipment. There is currently no vaccine to ... [... more]
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