Can COVID-19 cause diabetes, blood clots or problems during surgery? Learn what the latest science says about COVID-19 and your long-term health. 

coronavirus

COVID-19: your guide to health risks after infection

Had COVID-19? That doesn’t mean you can’t get it again. Discover the latest science about coronavirus reinfections, including why they’ve become more common.

Coronavirus reinfections: what’s the risk and why do they happen?

When to worry about a mole on your skin, find out what cancerous moles look like, know when to see a doctor and discover the best way to get moles removed.

skin-changes

Moles on skin – how to check if they’re normal or not?

Get the facts on erectile dysfunction and improve your sex life – find out about the causes, plus medical and natural treatments that can help you cure it.

mens-sexual-problems

Erectile dysfunction: how to revive your sex life 

Does your partner have trouble getting an erection or staying hard? Erectile dysfunction can be tough on both of you. Our guide helps you support him to get the help he needs.

When he can’t get hard: a couple’s guide to erectile dysfunction

It’s common to get itchy in and around your vagina, but it can sometimes be unclear what the cause is. Find out here how to stop vaginal itching.

womens-sexual-health

Vaginal itching: home remedies to help stop and prevent it

Think you might have vaginal thrush? Learn the symptoms, causes and your treatment options – plus how to avoid getting it in the first place.


thrush

Vaginal thrush: how to spot the symptoms and treat it

Getting outside on a hot day can trigger heat exhaustion or worse, heatstroke. Here’s how to prevent them, spot the signs and take action if you need treatment.

sun-safety

Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke: signs and treatments

If you get the right treatment, rosacea needn’t rule your life. Learn about the symptoms, causes and the latest science to help you deal with it. 

Rosacea: how to spot the signs and calm your skin

Sunburn can be painful and it also increases your risk for certain health conditions. Here we take a look at some of the common myths surrounding sunburn, how long it lasts and the best tips for sunburn relief. 

Sunburn relief: what works plus how to avoid sun damage

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or fungi. They can be passed on in many ways, including through the air, water, food or the bite of another animal. Examples include tuberculosis, malaria and chickenpox. 


Mother blowing nose of her sick son during winter walk

viral-infections

People Holding Clear Glass Bottle

bacterial-infections

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can cause an infection if they enter the body. Bacterial infections can affect all parts of the body, including the heart, brain, skin and teeth. They're usually treated with antibiotics.

Young woman feeling symptoms of an illness

fever

A fever is when your body temperature rises to 38C or higher. This is also known as having a high temperature and it can be caused by many things, including an infection. If you have a fever you should rest and stay hydrated.

Boxing gloves and a red ribbon, symbolizing the fight against aids or hiv

hiv-aids

Sexual health involves being aware of the risks involved in sexual activity and doing what you can to reduce those risks, such as using condoms to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancies. 

conditions

Two condoms on a blue-yellow background- Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash

reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-udC7xRAWvb4-unsplash

sexual-health

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) a virus that attacks the immune system, making it harder for you to fight infections. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a group of potentially life-threatening infections seen in the later stages of HIV infection.


Close- up of open wound with blood on skin of hand stock photo

blood-poisoning

Blood poisoning is a serious infection that occurs when there is bacteria in the blood. It's also known as sepsis and septicaemia. Blood poisoning can be fatal if not treated quickly. 

Cream tube stock photo

antifungal-medication

Antifungal medicines are used to treat fungal infections that often affect the skin and nails. These infections can cause a rash or nail changes, but most can be treated with tablets, creams, gels or sprays.

Doctor with X-ray

bone-infection

A bone infection (osteomyelitis) can occur when an infection in the blood or tissue reaches the bone. A bone infection can also occur if the bone is exposed to germs, such as through injury. Bone infections can be treated using antibiotics or, in some cases, surgery.


Photomicrograph of a tissue smear specimen showing the presence of Yersinia pestis bacteria, the pathogen responsible for causing plague. Photo credit: CDC

bubonic-plague

Mother taking care of little girl with chicken pox

chickenpox-shingles

Chickenpox and shingles are infections caused by the varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox usually affects children aged 10 or younger. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the virus many years after having chickenpox. Both conditions can cause an itchy rash and blisters. 


Female face with herpes on the lips

herpes

The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is the virus that causes herpes. Two types exist: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). 

Castor bean tick 

lyme-disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by being bitten by an infected tick. If you have Lyme disease, you may develop a red circle-shaped rash around the site of the tick bite up to a few weeks after being bitten. Lyme disease can cause a wide variety of symptoms, which can change depending on the stage of the infection.


Mosquito sitting on human skin

malaria

Malaria is an infectious disease that's passed to humans by infected mosquito. Symptoms, such as muscle aches and being sick, tend to develop days or weeks after you've been bitten by a mosquito. Malaria is a serious infection that needs urgent treatment.  


Parasitic hookworm Ancylosoma (credit - Dr_Microbe)

parasite-infection

Parasites are organisms that survive by living off another organism, known as a 'host'. Parasite infections are more common in tropical parts of the world, and include malaria and gut infections, like giardiasis.


Viruses in human lungs, 3D illustration, conceptual image for flu, MERS-CoV and SARS

Viruses in human lungs, 3D illustration, conceptual image for flu, MERS-CoV and SARS (credit - Dr_Microbe)

sars-mers

Young Female Doctor listening with stethoscope on patient's back 

tuberculosis

Mould in petri dish

fungal-infections

Fungal infections are caused by fungi found in the environment, such as in the air, soil and on the skin. There are many types – including yeasts, mushrooms and moulds – but only a few can make you sick. Fungal infections can affect the skin, lungs and bloodstream, causing conditions like asthma, pneumonia and meningitis.

Infectious diseases