Travel and holidays

Being young and fit doesn't reduce your risk of altitude sickness.

Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave.

Long international flights are suspected of contributing to deep vein thrombosis in susceptible people.

About one in six people have a significant fear that prevents them from flying, so fear of flying is common.

You can minimise the risk of food poisoning by taking simple precautions.

Holidays are supposed to offer relaxation and recuperation, but some people find them disappointingly stressful.

If you suffer badly from jet lag, it may be worthwhile considering a westerly travel route if possible.

Motion sickness may occur in anyone, but some people are particularly sensitive.

Even mild sunburn can cause permanent skin damage and may increase your risk of skin cancer.

Swimmer's ear can be triggered by exposure to water or mechanical damage due to overzealous cleaning.

The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is higher where sanitation and hygiene standards are poor.

If you have an allergy, visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack.

Travelling, eating and drinking go together but unfortunately, traveller's diarrhoea and other food-related illnesses can sometimes come along for the ride.

The symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of regular influenza.

Since the ulcer gets bigger with time, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Buruli ulcer can keep skin loss to a minimum.

Find out about travelling to and from Victoria, including both interstate and international advice.

Dengue (dengue fever, or ‘dengue virus disease’) is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

Ebola virus is a rare disease that can causes severe symptoms and can be life-threatening.

Hepatitis is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect the liver.

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.

Leptospirosis is a disease spread from animals to humans, caused by infection with the bacteria Leptospira.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. It can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

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) 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.

If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.

The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is higher where sanitation and hygiene standards are poor.

Tuberculosis (TB) is spread when a person with an active infection coughs, laughs, sings or sneezes.

Signs, symptoms and prevention of typhoid and paratyphoid

West Nile virus is a viral infection carried by mosquitoes. Infection may be asymptomatic or can cause mild flu-like symptoms.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. There is no cure, specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus.

Christmas doesn't have to be a financial headache if you plan ahead.

In the hot weather there is a higher risk of food poisoning but if you follow some simple rules when you prepare, handle and store food it will significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.

Holidays are supposed to offer relaxation and recuperation, but some people find them disappointingly stressful.

Every year, Year 12 students head to schoolies (leavers) to celebrate the end of school life. Includes alcohol and drug safety, tips, how to prepare, what to pack and what to do in an emergency.

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention.

Asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.

Alcohol, medications, illegal drugs and some herbal remedies can all cause damage if an overdose is taken.

Good seizure management is an important part of reducing the risks associated with epilepsy.

Some knowledge of basic first aid can mean the difference between life and death.

Your first aid kit should be organised, properly stocked and available at all times.

Head injuries can be serious and require urgent medical attention. A hard blow to the head from a fall, knock or assault can injure the brain, even when there are no visible signs of trauma to the scalp or face. Symptoms of serious head injury include wounds, altered consciousness, clear fluid leaking from the eyes or nose, black eyes or bruises behind the ears, vision changes, nausea and vomiting.

Mushrooms are a type of fungus. Australia has many varieties of wild-growing fungi, many of which are edible. However, a few types are poisonous or even deadly.

Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately if you suspect your child has been poisoned, given the wrong medicine or the wrong dose of medicine.

Australia has about 2,000 species of spider but most species are relatively harmless to humans.

People who fish in the Lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers need to be careful about eating their catch because of the risk of chemical exposure.

You can minimise the risk of food poisoning by taking simple precautions.

To enjoy eggs safely – buy clean, keep cool and cook well.

High-risk food should be kept at 5 °C or below, and above 60 °C to avoid the temperature danger zone and food poisoning.

In the hot weather there is a higher risk of food poisoning but if you follow some simple rules when you prepare, handle and store food it will significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.

Food poisoning is a real risk when taking food outside the home, especially in warmer weather.

Most foods should be cooked to at least 75 °C to minimise the risk of food poisoning.

If you have any doubt about the safety of food when you’re out, don’t eat it.

Travelling, eating and drinking go together but unfortunately, traveller's diarrhoea and other food-related illnesses can sometimes come along for the ride.

Mushrooms are a type of fungus. Australia has many varieties of wild-growing fungi, many of which are edible. However, a few types are poisonous or even deadly.

Being young and fit doesn't reduce your risk of altitude sickness.

Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave.

Long international flights are suspected of contributing to deep vein thrombosis in susceptible people.

If you suffer badly from jet lag, it may be worthwhile considering a westerly travel route if possible.

Motion sickness may occur in anyone, but some people are particularly sensitive.

Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities.

If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.

The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is higher where sanitation and hygiene standards are poor.

If you have an allergy, visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack.

Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave.

Barmah Forest virus (BFV) disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance. A full recovery can be expected.

Water quality of natural water sources, such as beaches and rivers, can vary greatly. Keeping a lookout for poor water quality (such as water that is discoloured, murky or smells unpleasant) will help you decide when it is safe to enter the water. By paying attention to a few noticeable signs, you can keep yourself safe.

If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

The digestive tract can be thought of as a long muscular tube with digestive organs attached along the way.

Never go fishing alone, always fish with someone else and, ideally, with two other people.

Food poisoning is a real risk when taking food outside the home, especially in warmer weather.

Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a serious viral infection, spread by mosquito bites.

There are simple steps for all visitors to follow to keep pool water clean for healthy swimming.

Drinking untreated water, such as creek water, bore water and sometimes even rainwater can lead to illnesses including gastroenteritis.

Toddlers are most at risk of drowning because they are mobile and curious but don't understand the danger of water.

Breastmilk protects your baby from illness and infection, so it is the safest drink for your baby while travelling.

Every year, Year 12 students head to schoolies (leavers) to celebrate the end of school life. Includes alcohol and drug safety, tips, how to prepare, what to pack and what to do in an emergency.

Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities.

Barmah Forest virus (BFV) disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance. A full recovery can be expected.

Since the ulcer gets bigger with time, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Buruli ulcer can keep skin loss to a minimum.

Dengue (dengue fever, or ‘dengue virus disease’) is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

Travellers who visit malarial locations should avoid mosquito bites and take anti-malarial drugs.

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

Use this simple checklist and take action to prevent mosquitoes from spoiling your holiday. Mosquitoes can carry diseases be prepared and avoid mosquito bites.

Use this simple checklist and take action to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. The best protection from mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites.

You can reduce the risk of mosquito bites if you get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites around your home.

Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a serious viral infection, spread by mosquito bites.

Most people recover from Ross River virus disease, although some people have symptoms for a year or more.

If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.

West Nile virus is a viral infection carried by mosquitoes. Infection may be asymptomatic or can cause mild flu-like symptoms.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. There is no cure, specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus.

Water quality of natural water sources, such as beaches and rivers, can vary greatly. Keeping a lookout for poor water quality (such as water that is discoloured, murky or smells unpleasant) will help you decide when it is safe to enter the water. By paying attention to a few noticeable signs, you can keep yourself safe.

Being prepared for a bushfire helps you cope better in an emergency.

CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.

Taking care to restrain children correctly while travelling in a car is the best way to prevent injuries.

Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others.

With a few simple plans in place, a good time can be had by all at a teenage party – even the parents.

Every year, Year 12 students head to schoolies (leavers) to celebrate the end of school life. Includes alcohol and drug safety, tips, how to prepare, what to pack and what to do in an emergency.

Safe sex is sexual contact that doesn't involve the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids or blood between partners.

Being young and fit doesn't reduce your risk of altitude sickness.

Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave.

About one in six people have a significant fear that prevents them from flying, so fear of flying is common.

Some knowledge of basic first aid can mean the difference between life and death.

If you suffer badly from jet lag, it may be worthwhile considering a westerly travel route if possible.

Use this simple checklist and take action to prevent mosquitoes from spoiling your holiday. Mosquitoes can carry diseases be prepared and avoid mosquito bites.

Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities.

If you have an allergy, visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack.

Every year, Year 12 students head to schoolies (leavers) to celebrate the end of school life. Includes alcohol and drug safety, tips, how to prepare, what to pack and what to do in an emergency.

Find out about travelling to and from Victoria, including both interstate and international advice.

Hepatitis is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect the liver.

Influenza (flu) immunisation is recommended for people in known high risk groups.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. It can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.

If you are travelling overseas, check with your doctor well in advance to find out what immunisations you need.

Tuberculosis (TB) is spread when a person with an active infection coughs, laughs, sings or sneezes.

Signs, symptoms and prevention of typhoid and paratyphoid

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.

Water quality of natural water sources, such as beaches and rivers, can vary greatly. Keeping a lookout for poor water quality (such as water that is discoloured, murky or smells unpleasant) will help you decide when it is safe to enter the water. By paying attention to a few noticeable signs, you can keep yourself safe.

Find out about travelling to and from Victoria, including both interstate and international advice.

Learn what to do if you find yourself in a rip current.

Provides an overview of family support programs and health services available to refugees and asylum seekers living in Victoria.