Common infections


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Common Infections

From gastroenteritis to sore throats and head colds- there are many common infections that cause people to miss work, university or other scheduled commitments. Most viral illnesses are self-limiting, and simply require time, rest and supportive measures such as adequate hydration and pain relief. In the case of the common cold, there are many remedies available over-the-counter in pharmacies- however only some are scientifically proven to help- we look at these in our article about treatment for the common cold.  Gastroenteritis also tends to be a self-limiting illness. The key is good fluid intake- oral rehydration solutions such as Hydrolyte or Gastrolyte are particularly helpful. We also take a look at some common childhood viruses such as Croup, Hand Foot and Mouth disease and Slapped Cheek Syndrome. Many parents worry about high fevers in their children- we explore what causes a high temperature, strategies for management, and the warning signs that something more serious might be going on.

Health Library- Common Infections

Chicken Pox- symptoms, treatment & key facts

Chicken Pox spread symptoms vaccine treatment Chicken Pox is a viral infection, caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus, which is a type of herpes virus. Children in Australia are routinely immunised against Chicken Pox at 18 months, as part of a 4 in 1 vaccine with the MMR [...]

School sores- causes,symptoms & treatment

What are school sores & how are they treated? symptoms spread diagnosis treatment What are school sores (impetigo)? School sores (or Impetigo to use the medical term) is a bacterial skin infection It is caused by bacteria called staphylococcus (known as “staph” for short) or streptococcus (also known [...]

Mumps- what causes it & what are the symptoms?

Mumps- what causes it & what are the symptoms? spread symptoms complications management What is mumps and what causes it? Mumps is a viral illness, which causes swelling of the salivary glands (the glands in the head and neck that produce spit), fever and sometimes other symptoms and [...]

Tonsils- what do they do? and what problems can they cause?

Tonsils- what do they do? and what problems can they cause? tonsillitis Quinsy Tonsil stones Enlarged tonsils What are tonsils? The tonsils are two clumps of immune tissue located in the throat. They contain cells that fight infection and help defend the body [...]

Itchy bottom and unsettled sleep?- it could be threadworms

Threadworms- symptoms & treatment Spread Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment What are thread worms? Threadworms (also known as pinworms) are small white worms that infect the human intestine. Infestation with threadworms is a common problem, particularly in younger children, though it can quickly spread through an entire household! How do [...]

What is Listeria and what are the symptoms?

What is Listeria & what are the symptoms? what is Listeria? symptoms risk diagnosis & treatment In 2018 several elderly Australians have died from Listeria infection, having eaten contaminated cantaloupe melons (rockmelons) grown in a farm in New South Wales. So, what exactly [...]

Shingles- what is it and how do you get it?

Shingles- what causes it and how do you get it? what is shingles? symptoms spread risks tests & treatment What is Shingles? Shingles (also known as Herpes Zoster) is a painful blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes Chicken Pox. Once you’ve had Chicken Pox [...]

Scarlet Fever- symptoms, causes & treatment

Scarlet Fever- symptoms, causes & treatment cause symptoms diagnosis treatment What is Scarlet Fever? Scarlet Fever was once a very common illness, and used to be a major cause of death in childhood. With improvements in living conditions and hygiene, as well as the availability of antibiotics, it’s now [...]