Symptoms Complications Diagnosis Treatment What is Glandular Fever? Glandular Fever (also known as Infectious Mononucleosis) is a viral illness caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (or EBV for short). EBV belongs to the Herpes family. Other Herpes viruses cause familiar infections such as cold sores, genital herpes and chicken pox. Glandular [...]
symptoms spread treatment vaccine What is whooping cough? Whooping cough is a highly contagious lung infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella Pertussis. It is common, and can have serious complications, particularly in smaller babies for whom it can be life-threatening. Cases have been steadily rising in recent years. This [...]
causes symptoms treatment What are adenoids? The adenoids are fleshy lumps of immune tissue located in the back of the nose in children. Their job is to fight infection, the same as lymph nodes (glands) elsewhere in the body. Hairs and mucus in the nose [...]
causes symptoms prevention treatment What causes nappy rash? No matter how careful parents and carers are, most babies get nappy rash at some stage. It’s caused by a few factors that combine to inflame the skin- exposure of the skin to moisture, irritating substances in wee and poo, and [...]
Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment What is ringworm? Sometimes when we tell a patient that they (or their child) have “ringworm” they are horrified – often they don’t realise it’s not caused by a worm at all, but is actually a fungal skin infection. The name " ring worm" comes from the [...]
I’m Worried About My Child’s Penis— Is It Normal? As Australian GPs, we often speak to parents who are concerned about their child’s penis- whether the foreskin’s tight or the size seems small. It’s understandable to worry about future issues, like difficulties with urination, erections, or even sex later in life. Rest [...]
what is it? symptoms & spread treatment complications What is Slapped Cheek Syndrome? Slapped Cheek Syndrome is one of those slightly odd viruses that frequently crops up in schools and childcare facilities. It's sometimes also referred to as "Erythema Infectiosum" or " Fifth Disease". It's caused by a virus [...]
what is it? symptoms spread treatment What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease? Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease can be caused by a number of different viruses- Coxsackievirus A16 is the most common, and Enterovirus 71 is the second-most common. With many other childhood viral illnesses, infection gives lifelong immunity- but as [...]
What is croup & how is it treated? what is croup? causes symptoms treatment What is croup? Croup is an infection of the airways, usually caused by a virus, which affects young children, and peaks in autumn and winter. Parents often recognise [...]
When is a fever serious? Fever is a common symptom- and it can cause a lot of worry. There are a few questions patients commonly ask doctors when they have a high temperature- what it means and what to do about it. So, here are a few facts and figures to make matters [...]
