Infections
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- About COVID-19
Learn about what the symptoms of COVID-19 are, how it spreads and what viral shedding is.
- Advice for mpox contacts
Advice on what to do if you have been identified as a contact of someone with mpox.
- Advice for people with mpox
Information and advice on what to do if you have tested positive for mpox.
- Anthrax
Anthrax is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial disease that occasionally infects humans.
- Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a fungus that commonly grows on rotting vegetation. It can cause asthma symptoms.
- Australian bat lyssavirus infection
The simplest form of prevention for lyssavirus is to avoid close contact with bats.
- Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina. Includes causes, symptoms, transmission, treatments, prevention and where to get help.
- Barmah Forest virus infection
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance. A full recovery can be expected.
- Bird flu (avian influenza)
The symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of regular influenza.
- Bites and stings – first aid
If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Boils
Some areas of the body are more susceptible to boils, including the face, throat, armpits, groin and buttocks.
- Botulism
Botulism is considered a medical emergency. If untreated, it may cause death.
- Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans from infected animals.
- Buruli ulcer
Since the ulcer gets bigger with time, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Buruli ulcer can keep skin loss to a minimum.
- Candida auris (C. auris)
Candida is a genus of fungi (yeasts) that live on the skin and inside the human body. Candida auris (also called C. auris) is an uncommon fungus that can cause serious infections.
- Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE)
Enterobacterales is the name given to a type of bacteria or germs, many of which normally live in your bowel. A well-known member of Enterobacterales is Escherichia coli or E. coli.
- Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that occurs most commonly on the lower legs and in areas where the skin is damaged or inflamed.
- Chest infections
A chest infection affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia).
- Chickenpox
Chickenpox is highly contagious, but it is generally mild and gets better without the need for special treatment.
- Chlamydia
Chlamydia is called a 'silent infection' because many do not realise they have it. Includes causes, symptoms, risks, transmission, diagnosis, STI checks, treatment, prevention, notifying partners.
- Cold sores
Cold sores are blisters around the mouth and nose, caused by the herpes simplex virus.
- Colds
Cold viruses are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact.
- Coughing and wheezing in children
Coughing and wheezing in babies can be distressing for you and your baby, but in most cases symptoms can be relieved at home.
- Croup
Croup is a viral infection of the throat and windpipe that causes noisy breathing, a hoarse voice and a harsh, barking cough.
- Cystitis
Cystitis is the most common urinary tract infection in women.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
If an unborn baby gets CMV from their mother, it can cause hearing loss and intellectual disability.
- Dengue virus disease
Dengue virus disease (dengue fever, or ‘dengue’) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world.
- Diarrhoea
Acute diarrhoea in babies and young children can be life threatening.
- Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial disease that causes severe inflammation of the nose, throat and windpipe.
- Ebola virus disease (EVD)
Ebola virus is a rare disease that can causes severe symptoms and can be life-threatening.
- Epididymitis
Epididymitis is an infection causing inflammation of the epididymis. All about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications, chronic epididymitis and where to get help.
- Eyes - trachoma
A clean face and clean environment are the best protection against trachoma.
- Fatigue fighting tips
Activity and nutrition help fight fatigue and put more energy into your daily life.
- Fever - febrile convulsions
A febrile convulsion is a fit that occurs in children when they have a high fever.
- Food poisoning - listeria infection
Listeria infection is uncommon but very dangerous for the elderly, people whose immune systems are not working properly and pregnant women and their unborn babies.
- Gastroenteritis
It is important to establish the cause of gastro, as different types of gastroenteritis respond to different treatments.
- Gastroenteritis - amoebiasis
Amoebiasis can cause diarrhoea among travellers to developing countries.
- Gastroenteritis - campylobacteriosis
Campylobacteriosis is a type of gastroenteritis and is more common in children under five years of age and young adults
- Gastroenteritis - cryptosporidiosis
Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been associated with child care centres, public swimming pools and contaminated water supplies.
- Gastroenteritis - giardiasis
Most people infected with Giardia parasites do not develop symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.
- Gastroenteritis - salmonellosis
You may be more prone to salmonellosis if you are elderly, have another medical condition (such as a weakened immune system) or are malnourished.
- Gastroenteritis - shigellosis
Outbreaks of shigella gastroenteritis can occur in institutional settings, particularly where children are still in nappies or adults are incontinent.
- Gastroenteritis in children
Gastroenteritis is common in young children and spreads easily. See your doctor if your child is vomiting often, not drinking, showing signs of dehydration or has blood in their poo.
- Genital herpes
Genital herpes is common and may not cause symptoms. More on causes, transmission, symptoms, reinfections, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, pregnancy and where to get support.
- Genital warts
Genital warts are a common sexually transmissible infection (STI). About causes, signs, symptoms, transmission, treatment, reinfection, prevention, HPV vaccines, cervical cancer screening and support.
- Glandular fever
Glandular fever is most common among high school and university students, but young children can also become infected by saliva on toys, shared cups, or the hands of carers.
- Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea, also spelt gonorrhea, affects both men and women and is transmitted during sex, it may lead to infertility in women if left untreated.
- Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a rare condition which can lead to chronic kidney damage or death from kidney failure.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease
Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease to others, both for those infected and their carers.
- Heart conditions - endocarditis
Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or the inner lining of the heart.
- Hendra virus
The best defence against Hendra virus is to avoid contact with an infected horse.
- Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect the liver.
- Hepatitis A
Immunisation is the best protection against hepatitis A infection and it is recommended for people in high-risk groups.
- Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to serious illness or death.
- Hepatitis C
In Australia, hepatitis C is most often spread through the sharing of drug injecting equipment. New all oral combination treatment has greatly improved health outcomes for people with hepatitis C.
- HIV and AIDS
All about HIV and AIDS including HIV transmission, how HIV spreads, prevention, symptoms, treatment, testing, letting sexual partners know, reducing stigma and where to get help.
- Impetigo - school sores
Impetigo, or school sores, is a highly contagious skin infection that commonly affects school-aged children.
- Influenza (flu)
Influenza (the flu) is caused by a virus. The flu is more than just a bad cold. It can occasionally lead to serious complications. Immunisation offers protection from flu.
- Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus that can be spread to humans through mosquito bites.
- Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are disorders that result in inflammation of the inner ear and the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain.
- Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia.
- Leprosy (Hansen’s disease)
Once a person with leprosy begins treatment they quickly become non-infectious.
- Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a disease spread from animals to humans, caused by infection with the bacteria Leptospira.
- Malaria
Travellers who visit malarial locations should avoid mosquito bites and take anti-malarial drugs.
- Measles
Measles can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation.
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) – immunisation
Immunisation is the best protection against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).
- Meningitis
Meningitis can cause death and requires urgent medical attention.
- Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious illness that usually takes the form of a blood infection (septicaemia) or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
- Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum can be mistaken for genital warts or pimples, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. More on symptoms, rash, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and where to get help.
- Mosquito management in Victoria
Some mosquitoes can carry diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites. It is often necessary for landowners and land occupiers to manage mosquito numbers through an integrated mosquito manage
- Mosquitoes can carry diseases
You can reduce the risk of mosquito bites if you get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites around your home.
- Mpox
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It usually causes a mild illness with a rash. Most people recover within a few weeks.
- Mumps
Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands, and a swollen face.
- Murray Valley encephalitis
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a serious viral infection, spread by mosquito bites.
- Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis means an infection of bone which can either be recent or longstanding.
- Parechovirus
Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of parechovirus to others, both for those infected and their carers.
- Pericarditis
Pericarditis symptoms may be similar to those of heart attack and include chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms.
- Pets – safe handling of reptiles and tropical fish
People in contact with tropical fish and reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes may be at risk of infections and illness due to germs (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites) carried on the animals.
- Pinworms
Despite the unsavoury reputation, a pinworm infection (worms) is relatively harmless and easily treated.
- Pleurisy
Treating any infection of the upper respiratory tract quickly will reduce the risk of developing pleurisy.
- Pneumococcal disease
Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness and death in young children.
- Pneumonia
Anyone can get pneumonia, but young children and the elderly are most susceptible.
- Polio and the late effects of polio
Polio is a serious disease that can cause life-threatening paralysis and possibly death.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is antiviral medication to prevent HIV infection. Learn what is PEP, what PEP is for, where to get PEP, important reminders about PEP and where to get help.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an oral medication to prevent HIV in people at risk. All about PrEP, what PrEP is for, dosage, where to get PrEP, PrEP side effects, PrEP health checks and support.
- Psittacosis - parrot fever
People who have birds as pets, poultry workers and anyone working in aviaries or pet shops, are most at risk of catching psittacosis.
- Q fever
People who work with animals, particularly cattle, sheep and goats, or animal products are at a higher risk of Q fever.
- Rabies
Rabies is a highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system.
- Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs as a result of some bacterial infections.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a virus that can cause respiratory infections that affect the airways and lungs.
- Rheumatic fever
Untreated rheumatic fever can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic heart disease.
- Roseola infantum
Roseola is a mild viral infection with associated fever and rash that affects babies and young children.
- Ross River virus infection
Most people recover from Ross River virus disease, although some people have symptoms for a year or more
- Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis for Australian babies and preschool children.
- Rubella
Rubella is a mild illness for most people, but very dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.
- Salpingitis
Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility and may permanently damage the fallopian tubes.
- Shiga toxin-producing E.coli
There are many types of E.coli bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, some types of E.coli produce toxins (poisons) that can cause gastroenteritis (gastro). One of these types of E.coli is known as ‘shiga toxin-producing E.coli’ or STEC.
- Shingles
Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
- Slapped cheek disease
Children with slapped cheek do not need to be kept home from school or day care, as cases are only contagious before the onset of the rash.
- Smallpox
Smallpox was once a feared and highly contagious viral disease.
- Staphylococcus aureus - golden staph
Hospital patients are more likely to be infected by golden staph because of surgical or other wounds.
- Streptococcal infection - group A
Streptococcal infection group A can cause sore throats (pharyngitis), scarlet fever or impetigo (school sores).
- Streptococcal infection – group B
Streptococcal infection – group B
- Swimmer's ear
Swimmer's ear can be triggered by exposure to water or mechanical damage due to overzealous cleaning.
- Tapeworms and hydatid disease
It's important for your own health to control tapeworm infection in your dog.
- Tetanus
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease and immunisation is the best way to reduce your risk.
- Tinea
Tinea is contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through towels, clothes or floors.
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
If you think you could have toxic shock syndrome, stop using tampons immediately and go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
- Toxoplasmosis
Problems only occur if a woman becomes infected with parasites that cause toxoplasmosis for the first time while pregnant.
- Travel health - yellow fever immunisation
If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is spread when a person with an active infection coughs, laughs, sings or sneezes.
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can target the urethra, bladder or kidneys.
- Vaginal thrush
Vaginal thrush is common. All about causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention and what to do if you keep getting vaginal yeast infections.
- Viral encephalitis
Viral encephalitis is inflammation of the brain caused by a virus and can cause permanent brain damage.
- Viral haemorrhagic fever
Viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) is an extremely infectious and life threatening disease caused by a group of viruses, including the Ebola virus.
- Warts
Warts can be stubborn, so you may need to use more than one type of treatment.
- West Nile virus
All disease-carrying mosquitoes breed in water or require water to enable eggs to hatch
- Whooping cough (Pertussis)
The major symptom of whooping cough is a severe cough, which is often followed by a 'whooping' sound.
- Williams syndrome
Williams syndrome often goes undiagnosed, which means that some people with the disorder fail to get the support and treatment they need until later in life.
- Zika virus
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. There is no cure, specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus.
- ኮሮናቫይረስ - Coronavirus (COVID-19) - አማርኛ (Amharic)
ኮቪድ-19ን ለመቆጣጠር እና ለመከላከል የሚሆን ምክር።
- Whooping cough – a family’s experience (video)
A family shares their experience when their baby daughter contracted whooping cough (or pertussis)
- Anthrax
Anthrax is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial disease that occasionally infects humans.
- Australian bat lyssavirus infection
The simplest form of prevention for lyssavirus is to avoid close contact with bats.
- Barmah Forest virus infection
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance. A full recovery can be expected.
- Bird flu (avian influenza)
The symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of regular influenza.
- Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans from infected animals.
- Dengue virus disease
Dengue virus disease (dengue fever, or ‘dengue’) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world.
- Hendra virus
The best defence against Hendra virus is to avoid contact with an infected horse.
- Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a disease spread from animals to humans, caused by infection with the bacteria Leptospira.
- Malaria
Travellers who visit malarial locations should avoid mosquito bites and take anti-malarial drugs.
- Mosquito management in Victoria
Some mosquitoes can carry diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites. It is often necessary for landowners and land occupiers to manage mosquito numbers through an integrated mosquito manage
- Mosquitoes can carry diseases
You can reduce the risk of mosquito bites if you get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites around your home.
- Murray Valley encephalitis
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a serious viral infection, spread by mosquito bites.
- Pets – safe handling of reptiles and tropical fish
People in contact with tropical fish and reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes may be at risk of infections and illness due to germs (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites) carried on the animals.
- Pinworms
Despite the unsavoury reputation, a pinworm infection (worms) is relatively harmless and easily treated.
- Psittacosis - parrot fever
People who have birds as pets, poultry workers and anyone working in aviaries or pet shops, are most at risk of catching psittacosis.
- Q fever
People who work with animals, particularly cattle, sheep and goats, or animal products are at a higher risk of Q fever.
- Rabies
Rabies is a highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system.
- Ross River virus infection
Most people recover from Ross River virus disease, although some people have symptoms for a year or more
- Tapeworms and hydatid disease
It's important for your own health to control tapeworm infection in your dog.
- Toxoplasmosis
Problems only occur if a woman becomes infected with parasites that cause toxoplasmosis for the first time while pregnant.
- West Nile virus
All disease-carrying mosquitoes breed in water or require water to enable eggs to hatch
- Zika virus
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. There is no cure, specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus.
- Boils
Some areas of the body are more susceptible to boils, including the face, throat, armpits, groin and buttocks.
- Chickenpox
Chickenpox is highly contagious, but it is generally mild and gets better without the need for special treatment.
- Coughing and wheezing in children
Coughing and wheezing in babies can be distressing for you and your baby, but in most cases symptoms can be relieved at home.
- Croup
Croup is a viral infection of the throat and windpipe that causes noisy breathing, a hoarse voice and a harsh, barking cough.
- Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial disease that causes severe inflammation of the nose, throat and windpipe.
- Fever - febrile convulsions
A febrile convulsion is a fit that occurs in children when they have a high fever.
- Gastroenteritis in children
Gastroenteritis is common in young children and spreads easily. See your doctor if your child is vomiting often, not drinking, showing signs of dehydration or has blood in their poo.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease
Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease to others, both for those infected and their carers.
- Impetigo - school sores
Impetigo, or school sores, is a highly contagious skin infection that commonly affects school-aged children.
- Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus that can be spread to humans through mosquito bites.
- Measles
Measles can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation.
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) – immunisation
Immunisation is the best protection against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).
- Meningitis
Meningitis can cause death and requires urgent medical attention.
- Middle ear infections
Middle ear infections often happen during or after a child has a cold.
- Mumps
Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands, and a swollen face.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a virus that can cause respiratory infections that affect the airways and lungs.
- Roseola infantum
Roseola is a mild viral infection with associated fever and rash that affects babies and young children.
- Rubella
Rubella is a mild illness for most people, but very dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.
- Slapped cheek disease
Children with slapped cheek do not need to be kept home from school or day care, as cases are only contagious before the onset of the rash.
- Streptococcal infection – group B
Streptococcal infection – group B
- Viral encephalitis
Viral encephalitis is inflammation of the brain caused by a virus and can cause permanent brain damage.
- Whooping cough – a family’s experience (video)
A family shares their experience when their baby daughter contracted whooping cough (or pertussis)
- Whooping cough (Pertussis)
The major symptom of whooping cough is a severe cough, which is often followed by a 'whooping' sound.
- About COVID-19
Learn about what the symptoms of COVID-19 are, how it spreads and what viral shedding is.
- Antimicrobial resistant bacteria
Careful prescribing of antibiotics will minimise the emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains of bacteria.
- Chest infections
A chest infection affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia).
- Fever
A mild fever up to 39°C can actually help the immune system to get rid of an infection.
- Immunisation history statements for children
By law, parents or guardians must provide an Immunisation History Statement when enrolling children in any childcare service, kindergarten or primary school in Victoria.
- Infection risk - cardiac surgery and mycobacteria
Mycobacterium chimaera is a type of bacterium known as a non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). There is a risk that heater cooler units (HCUs) used in cardiac (heart) surgery may be contaminated with Mycobacterium chimaera, and that exposure of patients to the exhaust from these units in the operating theatre may lead to the development of a serious infection up to several years post-surgery.
- Infections – bacterial and viral
Many bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but they are useless against viral infections.
- Who provides immunisations in Victoria
Immunisations in Victoria are provided by local councils, GPs, nurses in medical clinics and community health services, maternal and child health nurses, travel clinics, pharmacists and hospitals.
- Antimicrobial resistant bacteria
Careful prescribing of antibiotics will minimise the emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains of bacteria.
- Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE)
Enterobacterales is the name given to a type of bacteria or germs, many of which normally live in your bowel. A well-known member of Enterobacterales is Escherichia coli or E. coli.
- Checklist for COVID-19 cases
A step-by-step guide to support you through COVID-19 to your recovery.
- Checklist for COVID-19 contacts
What to do if you're a contact of someone with COVID-19.
- Handwashing - Why it's important
Washing your hands with soap and warm water can help stop the spread of infectious diseases.
- Infection prevention and control online learning
Learn the basics of infection prevention and control in 6 free online learning modules which are available to everyone.
- Medicines - safety issues
Make sure your doctor knows about every medicine you take, including vitamins.
- Medicines and side effects
Complementary medicines can interact with pharmaceutical medicines.
- Preventing healthcare associated infection (HAI)
There are things you can do to reduce the chance of getting an infection while you are in hospital.
- Quarantine at home - coping tips
You may be asked to quarantine yourself at home if you have developed, or been exposed to, an infectious disease.
- Workplace safety - infection control
The spread of many pathogens in the workplace can be prevented with regular hand washing.
- Antibacterial cleaning products
The Western obsession with cleanliness may be partly responsible for the increase in allergic asthma and conditions such as rhinitis.
- Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE)
Enterobacterales is the name given to a type of bacteria or germs, many of which normally live in your bowel. A well-known member of Enterobacterales is Escherichia coli or E. coli.
- Checklist for COVID-19 cases
A step-by-step guide to support you through COVID-19 to your recovery.
- Face masks and COVID-19
Face masks can prevent COVID-19 transmission.
- Improving ventilation to stop the spread of COVID-19
Find out how ventilation helps you lower the spread of COVID-19.
- COVID-19 advice for older people
Being prepared is the best way to reduce your risk from COVID-19 as an older person, including making a plan to access antivirals.
- COVID-19 information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Information and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians.
- COVID-19 information for people with disability
Information about COVID-19 for people with disability and people caring for them.
- COVID-19 information for travellers
Find out about travelling to and from Victoria, including both interstate and international advice.
- Food safety while travelling
Travelling, eating and drinking go together but unfortunately, traveller's diarrhoea and other food-related illnesses can sometimes come along for the ride.
- Gastroenteritis
It is important to establish the cause of gastro, as different types of gastroenteritis respond to different treatments.
- Handwashing - Why it's important
Washing your hands with soap and warm water can help stop the spread of infectious diseases.
- Home tattooing
Home tattooing, or getting tattoos overseas, puts you at risk of serious complications that can be debilitating and life-long.
- Immunisation history statements for children
By law, parents or guardians must provide an Immunisation History Statement when enrolling children in any childcare service, kindergarten or primary school in Victoria.
- Infection prevention and control online learning
Learn the basics of infection prevention and control in 6 free online learning modules which are available to everyone.
- Kissing and your health
While disease-causing bugs can be transferred during a kiss, most won?t cause disease and the risk of serious disease is very small.
- Personal hygiene
Good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and others from illness.
- Pets – safe handling of reptiles and tropical fish
People in contact with tropical fish and reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes may be at risk of infections and illness due to germs (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites) carried on the animals.
- Piercings
If you want to have your body pierced, choose an experienced, registered practitioner to reduce the risks of infection and scarring.
- Preventing healthcare associated infection (HAI)
There are things you can do to reduce the chance of getting an infection while you are in hospital.
- Quarantine at home - coping tips
You may be asked to quarantine yourself at home if you have developed, or been exposed to, an infectious disease.
- Tattoos
If you want to get a tattoo, choose an experienced, registered practitioner to reduce the risks of infection and scarring.
- Testing for COVID-19
How to get a test for COVID-19 in Victoria.
- Travel immunisation
If you are travelling overseas, check with your doctor well in advance to find out what immunisations you need.
- Vaccines
Vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies to provide immunity against one or several diseases.
- Who provides immunisations in Victoria
Immunisations in Victoria are provided by local councils, GPs, nurses in medical clinics and community health services, maternal and child health nurses, travel clinics, pharmacists and hospitals.
- Workplace safety - infection control
The spread of many pathogens in the workplace can be prevented with regular hand washing.
- Hepatitis A
Immunisation is the best protection against hepatitis A infection and it is recommended for people in high-risk groups.
- HIV and AIDS
All about HIV and AIDS including HIV transmission, how HIV spreads, prevention, symptoms, treatment, testing, letting sexual partners know, reducing stigma and where to get help.