Strep throat, short for streptococcal sore throat, is an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Along with soreness, common symptoms include a swollen throat and lymph nodes, chills and fever. It can be treated with pain medications and antibiotics.…

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection characterised by a rough, red rash that starts on one part of the body and then spreads to other areas. Other symptoms include fever, itchiness, flushing in the face and a red, swollen tongue. Scarlet fever most commonly occurs in children between two and 10 years of age.…

Mononucleosis, or glandular fever, is a common disease affecting mainly adolescents and young adults. Also known as the ‘kissing disease’, it is commonly spread through saliva. It causes a fever, tiredness, sore throat and swollen lymph glands. The majority of cases make a good recovery, although it can take several months to improve from the tiredness.…

Rubella is a viral disease which generally causes a mild illness and usually resolves after a few days. However, death or serious birth defects can occur if the virus is contracted during pregnancy. Vaccines exist for children at twelve and eighteen months and also for adults.…

A common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, coughing and sneezing. They are not usually serious and will generally get better by themselves within a few days to a week.…

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can occur when a person eats uncooked meat, or comes into contact with animal faeces, most commonly from cats. Healthy people will often show no obvious symptoms, however, the condition can cause complications in people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women and their unborn babies.…