In the news

  • Grief_675x386

    Trauma - reaction and recovery

    It's normal to have strong reactions following a distressing or frightening event, such as what happened in Melbourne's CBD on Friday at lunch time. But there are many things you can do to cope with and recover from trauma.

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  • Girl playing in classroom at kinder

    No Jab No Play

    All parents or guardians seeking to enroll their child at an early childhood service in Victoria must provide evidence that their child is either fully immunised for their age, or on a vaccination catch-up program, or unable to be fully immunised for medical reasons.

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  • Picture of mosquito sitting on a person's hand

    Ross River virus disease

    Heavy spring rains and flooding have led to an increased number of mosquitos in Victoria. Ross River virus is a mosquito-born disease that can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and muscle aches. Find out more about the virus and how to protect yourself.

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  • BU4552_csiro_bluegreenalgae_675x386

    Harmful algal blooms

    Most algae are harmless and an important part of the natural ecosystem, but some types of algae produce or have the potential to produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals known as harmful algal blooms. It is difficult to tell the difference between a harmful algal bloom and non-harmful algal bloom. (Photographer : Gregory Heath)

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  • Measles feature

    Measles explained

    Measles is a very contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. Measles can cause serious, sometimes fatal, complications including pneumonia and encephalitis. Measles is rare in Australia because of the widespread use of the measles vaccine but vaccination is important because people coming from overseas can carry the virus. Find out more about causes, symptoms and treatment of measles.

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  • 13812717_violence_675x386

    Family Violence

    Family violence directly affects one in five Victorian women over the course of their lifetime. Violence against women is never acceptable - find out how you can get help.

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  • mosquito_bite-675x386

    Beat the bite!

    We love getting outdoors while the weather is warm. The problem is – so do the mosquitoes. They’re not just annoying; some mozzies can transmit serious diseases. There are simple things you can do to Beat the bite!

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Safe summer

  • Heat safety icons and text on orange and red heat wave illustrations

    Survive the heat

    Extreme heat can affect anybody. Those most at risk are older people, young children and people with a medical condition.

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  • Better summer guide

    Summer health and safety essentials

    Summer is a great time of year to enjoy warmer weather, take a holiday, spend time with family and friends, go out and about, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and generally wind down and relax. Summer can also be a time of extreme heat, floods, bush fires, sting and bites, too much partying and alcohol, swimming incidents, road accidents, and other holiday stress. Here are some tips to help you stay safe this summer.

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  • mosquito_bite-675x386

    Beat the bite!

    We love getting outdoors while the weather is warm. The problem is – so do the mosquitoes. They’re not just annoying; some mozzies can transmit serious diseases. There are simple things you can do to Beat the bite!

    Read more about Beat the bite!
  • Safer-Summer-bite_6431021_675x386

    Bites and stings – first aid

    Australia has many animal and insect species that bite or sting. In general, first aid includes bandaging the wound and keeping the person immobile until medical help arrives.

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  • Safer-Summer-iStock_000001296455_675x386

    Talking to children about bushfire risk

    Talking to children openly in a way that suits their age and involving them in decisions and actions regarding bushfire preparation, will help them to feel emotionally secure and to be more confident during the bushfire season.

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  • Food-Safety-esky-675x386

    Don't let food poisoning ruin your summer

    Did you know food poisoning is more common in summer than at any other time of the year? This is because bacteria grow faster in hot and humid weather. Use these simple tips and don’t let food poisoning ruin your summer.

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  • Child being immunised

    Travel immunisation

    Find out from your doctor or travel health clinic which vaccinations you need for your specific travel arrangements.

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  • summer water safety

    Swimming - keeping the water clean

    Whether you are swimming in your local public pool, soaking in a spa or surfing in the ocean, regardless of the location, there are simple steps you should follow to minimise the risk of getting sick.

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  • How to check for melanoma

    How to check for skin cancer

    Two of three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70 and more than 2,000 people in Australia die from skin cancer each year. Summer is a timely reminder to people to slip, slop, slap and slide and to check their skin for skin cancer.

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  • Partying safely and safe sex

    Partying safely and sex

    When you are drunk or using drugs you are more likely to do things you normally wouldn’t do when sober. When partying, stick with your friends and look out for each other.

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  • Travel health tips

    Travel health tips

    With a little effort and simple precautions, you can avoid illnesses and unforseen events that can ruin your holiday.

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  • healthy-ageing_78554081_675x386

    Healthy ageing tips

    Experts say the key to living well into our 80s and 90s is making a commitment to living healthily. Check out some simple ideas and embrace your senior years.

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  • HL-safe-partying_80810555_675x386

    Partying safely

    Partying is a chance to catch up with friends and meet new people and have fun but it is also a time to be careful when it comes to alcohol, drugs, sexual assault and other violence.

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  • HL-breathing_83830999_675x386

    Breathing problems and exercise

    Breathing can be much harder for someone with lung disease, however some specific breathing exercises and a little physical activity can help some people.

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