How infectious diseases have shaped our culture, habits and language
Despite being so small they can't be seen with the naked eye, pathogens that cause human disease have greatly affected the way humans live for centuries.
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Articles on Infectious diseases
Displaying 1 - 20 of 158 articles
Four of the most lethal infectious diseases of our time and how we’re overcoming them
Here we explore our past and present struggles with four of the most significant infectious diseases human beings have faced, and some of the progress we've made in prevention and treatment.
How flu changes within the human body may hint at future global trends
New genetic technologies are letting us look at flu evolution right where it starts: within individual people, while they're sick.
Explainer: what is tularemia and can I catch it from a possum?
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.
Speaking with: Peter Doherty about infectious disease pandemics
Professor Peter Doherty on infectious disease pandemics.
The Conversation, CC BY-ND47.6 MB (download)
William Isdale speaks with the University of Melbourne's Professor Peter Doherty about infectious disease pandemics.
Expert conversation: using open source drug discovery to help treat neglected diseases
Professor Samir Brahmachari's innovative Open Source Drug Development allows thousands of researchers to work together to discover novel therapies for under-studied diseases.
Health Check: what’s the right way to blow your nose?
If you have a blocked or runny nose, chances are you'll reach for a tissue or hanky for a good blow. But is your technique up to scratch?
The WHO’s new African leader could be a shot in the arm for poorer countries
There are a number of challenges that the World Health Organisation's new leader, Ethiopian-born Tedros Ghebreyesus, will have to navigate during his tenure.
How El Niño forecasts can help prevent cholera deaths in Africa
Cholera kills thousands every year but is treatable if it is caught early. Understanding how El Niño shifts cholera risks in Africa can help countries prepare for outbreaks and save lives.
Flu vaccine won’t definitely stop you from getting the flu, but it’s more important than you think
As we head towards flu season, many people are wondering if it's worth getting vaccinated against influenza and if so, when. Here's what you need to know.
The number of new flu viruses is increasing, and could lead to a pandemic
How is it the flu has managed to stay around for so long, and why haven't we beaten it yet?
Explainer: what is TB and am I at risk of getting it in Australia?
In Australia, there are around 1200 to 1300 cases of tuberculosis each year which means we are among the lowest-risk countries in the world.
How new hepatitis C drugs could tackle liver cancer, too
The newer drugs for hepatitis C might mean fewer people are diagnosed with liver cancer.
Ebola’s forgotten victims – what we can learn from them and what we can do
One year after the end of the West African Ebola epidemic, a study of survivors in Guinea shows what has been learned about the deadly virus, and what remains unknown.
Dengue virus antibodies may worsen a Zika infection
Emerging research suggests that preexisting immunity to dengue virus, which is endemic in South America, could make a subsequent Zika infection worse.
Prepare for a healthy holiday with this A-to-E guide
Simple steps can lower your risk of bringing home traveller's diarrhoea, respiratory infections and mosquito-borne diseases from your holiday.
How a decline in infectious diseases may have boosted gender equality
Study suggests vaccination and hygiene may help countries that are struggling with gender equality.
Skin patches instead of needles: can nanotechnology vaccinate the world?
Postage-stamp sized patches that target vaccines to the immune system are now in clinical trials.
Understanding Africa’s diverse gene pool can help fight lifestyle diseases
Cracking genetic responses to the changing environment in Africa would open a new frontier in the drive against rising non-communicable diseases on the continent.
Scientists turn one pathogen against another in fight against dengue and Zika
There's a new weapon against mosquitoes that spreads diseases such as dengue and yellow fever – more mosquitoes.
Top contributors
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Professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Head of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW
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Professor in Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Monash University
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John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Health Science, Curtin University
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Clinical Professor in Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney
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Laureate Professor, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
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Prof. Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland
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Professor and Head of Clinical Research, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, University of Sydney
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Director, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney
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Associate Professor, University of Sydney
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Professor and Director of Doherty Epidemiology, University of Melbourne
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General Practitioner, and Conjoint Senior Lecturer, UNSW
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Director, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, CSIRO
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Professor of International Health, Burnet Institute
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Associate Professor, Melbourne Health
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Adjunct assistant professor, The University of Queensland
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