Social distancing isn't really compatible with public transport – especially during peak times. So how can we stay safe if we're starting to take public transport again?
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
Pregnancy can be stressful at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic.
New rules attempt to curb opioid-related deaths in Australia. These changes are a step in the right direction – but we need to tread carefully to avoid unintended consequences.
People taking hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus may be more likely to die, according to new research. But that doesn't mean the drug is killing them.
The mental health impact from the coronavirus pandemic is likely to be significant. But putting a figure on the projected increase in suicides may not be accurate – and is unlikely to be helpful.
Newborn babies can pick up GBS from their mother's vaginal tract during childbirth.
An easy question, but a difficult answer.
As restaurants and cafes re-open, here's what you can do to limit the chance of coronavirus transmission.
We've known for some time type 2 diabetes causes a range of health complications, like heart disease. But now we're starting to see people with diabetes are more likely to get cancer and dementia too.
A potential vaccine for coronavirus is undergoing a human trial in Australia. It's based on a vaccine that was already in development for influenza, and has shown promise in animal studies.
We asked five experts if it's OK to drink coffee while pregnant. Four out of five experts said yes.
Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. Positive mental health involves feeling good and functioning well, and there are ways to improve even if you don't have a mental illness.
There is a large and widening gap between the richest and poorest Australians in terms of risk of dying before the age of 75, according to a study tracking the trend from 2006-16.
Particularly for people with social anxiety, the prospect of reconnecting with the outside world could be daunting. But there are things you can do to make the transition a little easier.
The decision to authorise a WHO investigation into the origins of the coronavirus is only a partial vindication for nations keen to hold China to account. But it will help strengthen global health measures.
You're heading to your first post-COVID-19 dinner party. How many guests is too many? Are hugging and handshakes OK now? And most importantly, should you bring your own cutlery?
States should only open their borders once they have eliminated coronavirus – and should only open them to states which have similarly achieved disease elimination.
Don't spit, change out of your kit at home and clean match balls. These are just some of the ways sport is changing as restrictions ease.
The US president has reignited controversy over the use of malaria drugs to guard against COVID-19. But there is little reliable evidence so far that this tactic is safe or effective.
Rest homes have been hit hard by COVID-19 deaths and inquiries are looking at possible changes to care. The elephant in the room is that quality care depends on more staff.
Immunity passports have been touted as a way to reopen the economy. But there are serious concerns they'll create an incentive to intentionally contract the coronavirus.
Early research has pointed to a link between severe illness with COVID-19 and vitamin D deficiency. But there's more to the story.
How do you know if your fears of coronavirus are out of control? And what can you do about it?
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is currently detected using invasive nasal swabs. But the virus is also present in saliva, potentially paving the way for cheaper, safer tests that people could do at home.
The federal government keeps fighting attempts to allow people on the NDIS to access sexual supports. But what about their rights to have a rich and fulfilling life?
It's early days yet but a growing body of research evidence suggests COVID-19 causes abnormalities in blood clotting, which means blood thinning drugs may have a role to play in treatment.
Health-care professionals are tasked with a professional responsibility of responding to the health and well-being of the people for whom they care. But what about their well-being?
We surveyed over 100 Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and independent stores around Australia and found supermarkets are promoting unhealthy food much more often, and more prominently, than healthier products.
Research out today is a timely reminder of the importance and potential of hospital in the home. This is what the model looks like – and why it's role may become even more valuable post-coronavirus.
New funding aims to fend off a wave of mental ill-health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We don't know how severe that wave will be, but we do know financial hardship is a huge risk factor.
The US and its allies are demanding answers over how COVID-19 became a pandemic. But instead of pointing fingers at China, the inquiry should focus on scientific clues to help us thwart future disasters.
As we start to test people without symptoms for COVID-19, the likelihood of generating false positive tests goes up. Here's why that's a problem.
A CSIRO survey has found many people are confused about common infections, believing antibiotics can treat colds, flu and other viruses. This could fuel a dangerous rise in drug-resistant superbugs.
Nearly two million antibody tests imported into Australia can't be used to diagnose COVID-19. But it's difficult to make an antibody test that is specific and sensitive enough.
A new report counts the social costs of pharmaceutical opioid misuse and illegal opioid use in Australia for 2015/2016. The numbers are fairly grim.
Feeling desperate for a hug? You're not alone. Research suggests positive physical touch benefits our mental health.
Test, trace, maintain social distance, and keep travel bans and quarantines in place. These measures will help Australia keep the coronavirus in check as we gradually emerge from lockdown hibernation.
The evidence on whether wearing masks and gloves in the community will actually protect against coronavirus isn't strong. But if you're going to take these precautions, you might as well do it right.
Abortions are expensive and, for many women, difficult to access. These challenges are only heightened during the coronavirus pandemic.
Florence Nightingale, who would have turned 200 today, might be remembered for her work during the Crimean War. But that's ignoring the 54 years afterwards she spent writing, analysing and agitating.
The federal government has announced a stepped approach to relaxing social distancing measures. What they haven't said is how high they'll allow the curve to rise.
A vaccine historically used to prevent tuberculosis is now among the contenders for a COVID-19 vaccine. So what is the BCG vaccine and why might it work against coronavirus?
COVID-19 coronavirus
This week, our experts are looking at the major trends in post-crisis globalisation.
Our experts mull what it will take to keep people healthy, whether there should be optimism for a vaccine and how to fight lockdown fatigue.
Sexually active men should consider wearing condoms during the pandemic.
Over-active immune response might be behind higher rates of life-threatening COVID-19 infections in patients with obesity.
Ten tips for lockdown from a specialist psychologist.
COVID-19 is a disease of the sick, which is why it appears to be a disease of the old and the male.
The infamous drug can inhibit the body's inflammatory response, which is why researchers wonder if it can effectively treat COVID-19.
Critics say older people are being put at risk by the relaxed approach to social distancing. But they seem to be the most in favour of it, according to a new survey.
Health Checks
Many of us cover our faces with foundation and other beauty products every day. Here's what we know about whether they are doing us damage.
Research into our brain, gut and childhood memories tells us why we reach for macaroni cheese rather than salad in winter.
If you're tossing and turning in the middle of the night, these techniques may help you to nod off.
Many people complain their aches and pains get worse in the cold, but there are a number of ways to reduce that discomfort in the winter months.
Academic articles on Covid-19
Millions of Australians far from the bushfires' direct path have been affected by smoke haze. Here's everything we know about the effects of bushfire smoke on our health.
From the archives
Tularemia is an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans. While it can be fatal, it is rare in Australia and can be treated with antibiotics.
Children have largely escaped the serious health effects of coronavirus, but the UK is warning about serious illness in kids. Here's what we know.
If you've read the headlines about poor standards in Australia's nursing homes, it's only natural to be concerned about your own family or friends in residential aged care.
Whether our brain decides to wake us or let us keep sleeping depends on the loudness and type of sound, our depth of sleep and sensitivity to noise.
Kim Kardashian West suffers from psoriatic arthritis. About 1% of people have the autoimmune condition which primarily affects the skin and joints.
If you're scheduled for surgery in a private hospital, the hospital or surgeon will contact you. Public hospital patients shouldn't expect to hear from the hospital until we hear more from the states.
Measure your blood pressure at home, check in with your GP, and keep an eye on your diet and exercise.
A recent study suggested the coronavirus could spread up to four metres. But the evidence isn't strong enough to suggest we should change social distancing advice from 1.5 metres.
Without doing more exercise or cutting down on food, most women will gain weight as they go through menopause. But it's not inevitable.
As many as 80% of those infected with coronavirus don't show symptoms. The reasons why are likely to come down to how your immune system responds to the virus.
If you still have most of your teeth and they're tightly jammed together, flossing is important. But for some people, simply flossing might not be enough.
You might feel nervous asking someone you care about if they're suicidal on the phone or online. But a person who is struggling may actually find it easier to communicate this way than face-to-face.
Scott Morrison said it will be at least four weeks before any of the current restrictions are eased. There are a few boxes we want to tick before we can start to take a foot off the pedal.
If you're unfit or overweight, there's lots you can do to make a new exercise regime both enjoyable and successful.
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- How long are you infectious when you have coronavirus?
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