10 tips to fight the flu – infographic
Flu vaccine and good hygiene are some of the most important ways to help prevent colds and flu. Here's a handy list of tips to fight the flu.
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Viral infections
Viruses can cause infections. They can spread to other people via the exchange of bodily fluids (such as saliva, semen and blood), insects, tissues, organs, vomit, poo or tiny droplets from your nose or mouth.
Viral infections can’t be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may recommend other ways to manage the virus, such as resting, keeping hydrated and taking pain-relief medicines. Learn more about the different viruses that can affect you.
About coronaviruses
Coronaviruses can cause several illnesses, from the common cold to serious respiratory infections and pneumonia. Learn more about coronaviruses.
Adenoviruses
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that cause cold and flu-like symptoms. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of adenoviruses.
Australian bat lyssavirus infection (ABLV)
Find out about Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) and learn what to do if you are bitten or scratched by a bat. ABLV can be prevented with vaccination.
Barmah Forest virus infection
Barmah Forest virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and is found only in Australia. Read on about the disease it causes, its treatment and prevention.
Blood-borne viruses (BBVs)
Blood-borne viruses like HIV transmit through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Learn about treatment and prevention.
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.
Chikungunya virus
Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes found mainly in Africa and Asia. Follow instructions if travelling to these areas.
Is it a cold or the flu? – infographic
Can't tell if you've got the cold or the flu? This infographic helps you compare cold and flu symptoms, debunk the most common myths.
Cold sores
Cold sores are blister-like spots that appear in or around the mouth. Find out about prevention, common triggers, treatment and self-care options.
Colds
A cold is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. Find out about the common cold, including symptoms, treatment and when to see your doctor.
Colds and flu
Find out more about how to treat the cold or flu, how to avoid catching the cold or the flu and special cases in which to take extra care.
Coughs and colds in children
Most coughs and colds in children are caused by viruses. Find out how to treat your child and prevent them from developing and spreading a cold.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Read about how to avoid infection, when to get tested and treatment for COVID-19.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral infection. Learn more about how CMV is spread, its symptoms and how to reduce your risk of infection.
Dengue fever
Dengue fever is an illness that is spread by mosquitoes. Read more about the symptoms and treatment of dengue fever and how to prevent it.
Ebola virus
Ebola virus disease is a rare but often fatal illness. Find out more about Ebola transmission (spread), symptoms and treatment options.
Enterovirus in children
Enteroviruses cause a range of illnesses which are usually mild. You can help prevent the spread of enterovirus infection by practising good hygiene.
Fifth disease (slapped cheek disease)
Fifth disease or 'slapped cheek disease' is a mild viral illness marked by a red rash that makes children's cheeks look like they've been slapped.
Flu (influenza)
Influenza is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. Find out more about the flu and how to protect yourself by getting vaccinated.
Glandular fever
Glandular fever (also called 'kissing disease') is an infectious disease common in teenagers and young adults. Learn how glandular fever can spread.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects children under 10 years old but can also affect older children and adults.
Herpesvirus infections
Several herpesviruses can infect people and these infections are common. Learn more about herpesvirus infections, including the different types, causes, symptoms and treatment.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that usually causes a mild illness. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of HMPV.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus commonly spread through sexual contact which can cause cervical cancer. But vaccination can prevent it.
Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs)
HPIVs infect the respiratory tract and have symptoms like a cold. They spread via coughs and sneezes. Children and immunocompromised are at higher risk.
Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)
Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) can infect your blood. Learn more about how it spreads and the diseases it causes.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a viral disease. Find out more about how to prevent infection, symptoms to watch out for and when to seek medical help.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is when your voice box (larynx)and vocal cords are inflamed. It usually gets better on its own, but see your doctor if symptoms continue.
Long COVID
Long COVID is the name given to the ongoing symptoms that you may get after having COVID-19. Learn more about long COVID symptoms and treatment.
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.
Mpox (Monkeypox)
Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare infectious disease related to smallpox. While symptoms are usually mild, it can be serious and need medical attention.
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral infection, which can cause facial swelling. Find out more about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of mumps.
Murray Valley encephalitis
Murray Valley encephalitis is a rare illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus - read more about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Nipah virus
Nipah virus is a rare disease that can spread from fruit bats to humans. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of Nipah virus infection.
Norovirus infection
Norovirus is a virus that can cause gastroenteritis and is spread easily. Discover its symptoms, treatment options and ways to protect yourself.
Parechovirus
Parechovirus is a type of virus that can cause mild or serious illness, especially in babies and children. Learn when you need urgent medical help.
Polio (poliomyelitis)
Polio is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and death. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and how vaccines prevent polio.
Rabies
Rabies is caused by a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Find out what to do if you are bitten by an animal that may have rabies.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is a virus that causes infection in the lungs and airways. Read on to learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, management and prevention.
Respiratory viruses
Respiratory viruses affect your respiratory system. You’re usually most contagious in the first few days you have symptoms.
Rhinovirus
Rhinovirus causes the common cold, it has mild symptoms but can be serious in some people. Learn more about rhinovirus symptoms and treatment.
Roseola infantum
Roseola infantum is a contagious viral infection. Symptoms include high fever and rash. Read more about roseola and when to seek urgent medical help.
Ross River virus infection
Ross River virus is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, rash and joint pain. Most people recover in a few weeks. Learn more here.
Rotavirus infection
Rotavirus is a viral illness that can cause severe diarrhoea. Learn more about the cause, symptoms, prevention and treatment for rotavirus.
Rubella (German measles)
Rubella (also known as German measles) is best prevented by the MMR vaccination. Learn more about its distinctive rash, other symptoms and treatments.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Here's how to recognise the symptoms, prevent shingles and get the best treatment for you.
Shingles — infographic
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash. This infographic provides you with information on the symptoms, treatments and vaccination.
Smallpox
Smallpox is a highly infectious disease, eradicated worldwide by successful vaccination. Read about prevention and its relationship to mpox.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection and swelling of the tonsils at the back of the throat. Learn about the symptoms and treatments for tonsillitis.
Viral haemorrhagic fevers
Viral haemorrhagic fevers are rare but serious illnesses caused by viruses. They can be life threatening and spread via contact with infected animals or people.
Viral rash
A viral rash occurs when your immune system reacts to a virus. Learn what a viral rash looks like, as well as causes, treatment and complications.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is a disease that spreads through infected mosquitoes in areas of Africa, Central or South America. Learn about the yellow fever vaccine.
Zika virus
Learn about Zika virus, its symptoms, prevention, and risks, especially if you are pregnant. Avoid mosquito bites and stay informed about outbreaks.