Got a symptom but not sure what's causing it? Use our award-winning Smart Symptom Checker to find out – it's free!

×

Infectious diseases

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.

Infectious diseases

Mother blowing nose of her sick son during winter walk
Viral infections
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Bacterial infections
Credit: Brothers91
Fever
Credit: zahar2000
HIV and AIDS
Credit: Ivan-balvan
Blood poisoning
Credit: Katy L. Pack
Antifungal medication
Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels
Bone infection
Photomicrograph of a tissue smear specimen showing the presence of Yersinia pestis bacteria, the pathogen responsible for causing plague. Photo credit: CDC
Bubonic plague
Credit: MilosBataveljic
Chickenpox shingles
Credit: Elitsa Deykova
Herpes
Credit: RolfAasa
Lyme disease
Credit: HAYKIRDI
Malaria
Parasitic hookworm Ancylosoma
Parasite infections
Viruses in human lungs, 3D illustration, conceptual image for flu, MERS-CoV and SARS
SARS and MERS
Young Female Doctor listening with stethoscope on patient's back
Tuberculosis
Mould in petri dish
Fungal infections

Latest articles

Ovulation calendar
How to improve your chances of getting pregnant

If you’re trying to get pregnant it’s important to know how the menstrual cycle works. Find out when you can get pregnant and how to increase your cha...

Cleaning bacteria off lift buttons
How long do viruses and bacteria live on surfaces?

You can become ill from touching surfaces contaminated with bacteria and viruses – but how long do these germs live on surfaces? Read on to find out.

Perimenopause periods: Why your periods are more frequent or irregular
Perimenopause periods: Why your periods are more frequent or irregular

During perimenopause, you may find your periods are closer together or irregular in other ways. Find out how your periods may change.

Ingrown hairs: Symptoms, causes and how to get rid of them
Ingrown hairs: Symptoms, causes and how to get rid of them

Find out about the symptoms of ingrown hairs, what causes it to happen, how to get rid of them and stop them from coming back.

How to lose weight in menopause
How to lose weight in menopause

Losing weight during menopause can sometimes feel impossible. Discover why you gain weight and how to lose it safely – and keep it off.

9 Fertility Myths
9 Fertility Myths

Healthily conducted a survey that showed many are in the dark about their fertility. Read to find out the truth behind some of the most common myths.

Woman with itchy bottom
Itchy bottom: Symptoms, causes and treatment

Find out about the symptoms of an itchy bottom in adults and children, what causes it, how to treat it and when to speak to a doctor.

Perimenopausal woman
Perimenopause: Symptoms, treatment and outlook

Perimenopause is the stage before menopause, but it can cause symptoms that disrupt your life. Discover how to manage perimenopause symptoms.

Woman's arms on a bed
How to have safer lesbian sex

If you’re a woman who has sex with other women, you can pass on STIs. Find out how to have safe sex and when to see a doctor about your sexual health...

Is there a test for menopause?
Is there a test for menopause?

Several symptoms point towards the time when we reach menopause, but is there a way of testing to make sure?

View all