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

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 [...]

Conjunctivitis- what causes it and how it’s treated

Conjunctivitis- what causes it and how it's treated causes symptoms spread tests & treatment What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is a common infection of the eye. The conjunctiva is the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner part of the eyelid. In conjunctivitis, this membrane [...]

Glandular Fever- the facts about the “kissing disease”

Glandular Fever- the key facts about the "kissing disease" 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 [...]

Whooping cough- why is it so dangerous?

Whooping cough- why is it such a serious illness? 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 [...]

Fungal toenail infections-causes & treatment options

Fungal toenail infection- symptoms, causes & treatment diagnosis causes treatment A fungal toenail infection can be stubborn and hard to get rid of. It may cause less concern in winter, when feet can be hidden away from view. But when summer comes and it’s time for the beach, unsightly [...]

How do you get thrush and how is it treated?

Thrush- what causes it and how is it treated? what is thrush? causes symptoms treatment What is thrush? Thrush is caused by a yeast known as “candida albicans”, which lives naturally in parts of the body including the vagina and bowels. Although candida usually causes no problems, sometimes [...]

Pitted Keratolysis-a common & curable cause of smelly feet

Pitted Keratolysis- a common & curable cause of smelly feet what is pitted keratolysis? symptoms treatment What is Pitted Keratolysis? Pitted Keratolysis is a common cause of smelly feet. But unless you look closely you may not realise you have it. Several different bacteria may be to blame, including [...]

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