Day: November 15, 2023

What is cri du chat syndrome? Cri du chat syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes delayed physical development, a small head size and intellectual disability. It is called cri du chat (‘Cry of the cat’ in French) because of the strange, cat-like cry made by newborn babies with this condition. Some children will be only mildly affected; in others, the condition is more severe. All children are different. What are the symptoms of cri du chat syndrome? Most children with cri du chat syndrome have: a weak, cat-like cry when very young intellectual disability, ranging from mild to severe a

What is cradle cap? Cradle cap is a build-up of yellow, greasy and often scaly patches of skin, usually on your baby’s scalp. Cradle cap appears most often in babies in the first 2 months and tends to last only a few weeks or months. It is uncommon in babies older than 3 months but may last up to 6 to 12 months in some babies. What are the symptoms of cradle cap? The main symptom of cradle cap is scaling on your baby’s scalp. Sometimes there might be cradle cap on the eyebrows or behind the ears. The patches

Pubic lice (crabs) What are pubic lice? Pubic lice (also known as crabs or Pthirus pubis) are tiny insects that live in coarse body hair including pubic hair, armpit hair, beards, chest hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. They do not live on your head. The female lice lay eggs (also known as nits) that are glued to the hair shaft. The eggs are smaller than the size of a pin head and difficult to see. They hatch after 6 to 10 days leaving behind empty egg sacs. The empty egg sacs look like white or grey oval dots on the hair.

What causes cow’s milk allergy? Cow’s milk allergy is often due to an immune system reaction against milk proteins. Exposure to even a trace amount of milk protein can be a problem for someone with milk protein allergy. What are the symptoms of cow’s milk allergy? The symptoms of allergy to cow’s milk can range from mild to severe. Mild to moderate symptoms include: a rash (eczema or hives) swelling of the lips, face and eyes tingling mouth vomiting and diarrhoea Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include: noising breathing or wheeze swelling of the tongue swelling or tightness

Who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination? You are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination if you are: aged 5 years or older; or aged 6 months to 4 years with severe immunocompromise, complex or multiple health conditions, or disability with complex or significant health needs, which increase the risk of severe COVID-19 If you are part of one of these groups, consult the criteria below to see if a COVID-19 vaccine dose is recommended for you at this time. Which vaccine brands are available in Australia? There are 3 vaccine brands that are approved and available for use in Australia: Pfizer Moderna Novavax During

How is COVID-19 treated and how do I relieve my symptoms? Most adults with a mild case of COVID-19 can treat their symptoms in a similar way to how they treat a seasonal flu. That is, rest at home, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fevers, keep hydrated and take cough medicine if needed. However, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved certain medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 in Australia. Learn more here about COVID-19 medications. Adults with severe COVID-19 symptoms may need to be treated in hospital with corticosteroids, antivirals and other drugs depending on how severe their symptoms are. Medicines such as

What is a counsellor? A counsellor is a person who you talk to so they can help you overcome difficulties in your life. Counsellors are a type of mental health professional. Counsellors help you solve problems and develop problem-solving skills by helping you clarify issues and explore your options. If you are struggling with issues like relationships, money, or the loss of a loved one, counselling might help you to cope and move on through life. What do counsellors do? Counselling is a talking therapy. Counsellors ask questions and listen to you in a non-judgmental, safe and confidential way. You will

Counsellors and counselling What is a counsellor? A counsellor is a person who you talk to so they can help you overcome difficulties in your life. Counsellors are a type of mental health professional. Counsellors help you solve problems and develop problem-solving skills by helping you clarify issues and explore your options. If you are struggling with issues like relationships, money, or the loss of a loved one, counselling might help you to cope and move on through life. What do counsellors do? Counselling is a talking therapy. Counsellors ask questions and listen to you in a non-judgmental, safe and confidential

Haemoptysis (coughing up blood) What is haemoptysis? Haemoptysis is the medical term for coughing up blood from the lungs or bronchial tubes. It can range from small flecks of blood to a lot of blood. It can be mild or indicate something serious. It is haemoptysis if the blood comes from the lungs or bronchial tubes (the tubes that bring air to the lungs). Haemoptysis does not include having blood in the saliva due to bleeding in the mouth, upper airway or from vomiting of blood from the gut. Haemoptysis is not usually life threatening, but if you cough up blood, it is still very important

Whooping cough What is whooping cough? Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that spreads from one person to another. It causes severe bouts of coughing. The ‘whoop’ refers to the sound you may make if you take a quick breath between coughs. Pertussis, or the ‘hundred-day cough, are other names for whooping cough. Whooping cough can feel uncomfortable and last for a long time. After one to 2 weeks, the cold symptoms get better, but the cough gets worse. After 2 to 6 weeks, the cough begins to get better. But it can take weeks to months for the cough

What is costochondritis? Costochondritis is inflammation in the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone. Although it usually gets better after a few weeks, it can sometimes last longer. What are the symptoms of costochondritis? Costochondritis causes a constant pain and tenderness in your chest. The pain usually comes on gradually. The pain often gets worse if you: cough sneeze breathe deeply move in certain ways put pressure on your chest You might put pressure on your chest by using a tight seatbelt or hugging someone. The pain is usually on one side of your breastbone and affects more

Understanding the costs of mental health services How much do mental health services cost? The costs of mental health services can vary enormously, depending on where you live and which service you are receiving. The first step is to see your doctor. If you can’t see your doctor, any health service should be able to help you. Search for mental health services in your location. Low cost or free mental health services If you have a mental health condition, you might be able to get help with payment through a government program. The Better Access initiative gives Medicare rebates to help people see mental