The flu, or influenza, is a common viral infection, which causes fevers, headache, coughing and muscle aches. It is different to the common cold, which usually has relatively milder symptoms. Rarely, complications can occur with the elderly, children and people with weakened immune systems.…

Coughing is your body's way of getting rid of any foreign material or mucus in your lungs. Coughing can be a response to breathing in dust or fumes that irritate the nerve endings in the airways, or can be a symptom of a medical problem, such as a lung infection caused by bacteria or a virus, or a long-term lung disease such as asthma.…

Bronchitis is a common condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed. It causes coughing and difficult breathing. Acute bronchitis refers to the short-term type, and may occur in the aftermath of cold or flu. While the cough may be severe, it typically lasts for only a few weeks.…

Pneumonia is a lung infection, usually caused by bacteria or viruses, often after a cold or flu. It causes air sacs in the lung to fill with fluid and mucus, affecting breathing. Pneumonia can be more serious in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.…

Tetanus is an infection which usually occurs when a particular bacteria contaminates an open wound. After infection, the tetanus bacteria release a toxin which attaches to nerve cells and causes muscles to spasm. Tetanus is a serious condition and can lead to death if left untreated.…

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.…