Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious disease that causes inflammation in the respiratory tract. Pertussis causes many deaths, especially among infants, but can be prevented with immunisation.…

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that may cause a fever, breathing difficulties and swollen lymph nodes. Without treatment, it can lead to severe complications. It is now a rare condition in developed nations due to the widespread use of the diphtheria vaccine.…

Despite their name, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) bacteria do not cause influenza. Hib bacteria can cause other serious diseases including pneumonia and meningitis, particularly in children under the age of five. Fortunately, Hib can be prevented with immunisation.…

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe diarrhoea. It is usually acquired by consuming contaminated food or water during travel to areas where cholera is common. The greatest danger is the dehydration diarrhoea causes. Following some advice can help prevent this condition.…

Childhood immunisations help protect infants and children against a variety of diseases, without them being exposed to the actual diseases. Immunisations include tetanus, polio, measles and chicken pox vaccines. They also help protect friends and family by reducing the rates of these conditions.…

Lactic acidosis occurs when lactic acid builds up in the blood faster that it can be removed by the liver. Lactic acid is a waste product of the body’s metabolism in situations where oxygen levels are low, such as during heavy exercise.…