Learn all about how to deal with various illnesses that could affect you or your family.
- Antibiotics and children
Antibiotics have saved the lives of many children with serious illnesses but they are not always the answer. - Chickenpox
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella zoster virus, is a highly infectious disease which mostly affects children. - Chickenpox complications
Chickenpox is usually a mild viral illness, but serious complications sometimes occur. - Chickenpox in adults
When adults catch chickenpox it can be a serious problem. Find out about the complications of chickenpox, and how to prevent it. - Colds and flu: rest and fluids, not antibiotics
At the start of winter, the National Prescribing Service has launched its annual campaign, `Common colds need common sense`. - Eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are 2 main forms of eating disorders. These illnesses mainly affect young females. - Febrile fits
Febrile fits are fairly common in children. About 3 to 4 per cent of all children have had a febrile fit before the age of 5 years. - Fifth disease
Erythema infectiosum (EI), often referred to as the Vth (fifth) disease, is due to a virus known as parvovirus B19. - Headaches: the different types
Find out about the different types of headaches, including tension headache, cluster headache, and migraine, among others. - Heat rash or prickly heat
Heat rash or prickly heat is caused by blockage of sweat glands during times of high heat or humidity, causing itching or prickling of the skin. - Heat-related illnesses
Common symptoms of heat illnesses, such as sunstroke and heatstroke, are headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness or muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting. - Hendra virus rise linked to changing environment
Experts have linked the increasing prevalence of Hendra virus to human environmental impacts. - Influenza - the flu
Influenza, usually shortened to, 'flu', is a viral infection of your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. - Measles: what you need to know
Measles is a very infectious illness that mostly affects children. It is caused by a virus and is spread from child to child by coughing, sneezing or sometimes kissing. - Migraine
A migraine is a type of headache that may be preceded by an aura and accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. - Migraine treatment options
Migraines can be debilitating. Find out how to avoid migraine triggers and about migraine treatment medicines. - Mumps
Find out about the symptoms, treatment, and complications of mumps, as well as how to prevent this disease. - Prescription medicines
Prescription medicines are an important part of treating and preventing illness. However, incorrect use of these medicines can make them unsafe. - Reflux in children
Many babies and small children experience heartburn, or acid reflux. - Temperatures and febrile convulsions in children
A raised temperature (fever) is a common event in childhood, but there are some steps that can help. - When to see your doctor
The decision to see your doctor about a particular problem is not always easy, but some symptoms should not be ignored.
