Australia has recorded its first cases of the XEC COVID-19 variant that has been spreading in Europe this year. Here's what you need to know about XEC — the highly transmissible strain that has been reported in 29 countries.
Melbourne scientists discover blood proteins in pre-term babies can predict chronic lung disease
When Atticus was five months old, Ms Nation and her husband Warwick were told to say their goodbyes. Their son was very likely to lose his battle with lung disease.
Photo shows Atticus, who is 18 months old, was born prematurely and developed chronic lung disease.When Emily became healthy after a lifelong illness, she felt part of her was missing
From a young age, Emily Naismith watched her peers die from cystic fibrosis. The drug Trikafta gave her a future but she says forming a new identity has been complex.
Photo shows A woman in a pink exercise set smiles to the camera as she squeezes her eyes closed.Former miner with 'black lung' disease awarded record $3.2 million in damages
The Dust Diseases Tribunal found four companies failed in their duty of care to a coal miner who worked at sites in New South Wales and Queensland.
Photo shows A man looks at the camera.Lead exposure concerns force Bunnings to change product packaging
Work safety authorities in at least three states called into the hardware giant, amid fears customers and workers have been put at risk by inappropriate handling of the potentially hazardous material.
Photo shows Sheets of lead among other products with their prices on a Bunnings store shelf next to a helmet.Engineered stone is now banned. What will happen with existing benchtops?
Tradies will still have to work with engineered stone when renovating or demolishing existing kitchens and bathrooms, risking exposure to fine silica dust.
Photo shows Kitchen bench topHow to stay protected as Australia heads towards a whooping cough epidemic
Australia is heading towards a whooping cough epidemic, with cases surging past 11,000 over the past six months, compared to 2,447 in all of last year.
Photo shows A nurse prepares to give a needle to a babyNSW records almost 40 per cent increase in influenza cases in a week, emergency departments 'slammed'
The latest NSW Health respiratory surveillance report shows there were 12,421 cases of influenza reported in the week ending June 22. It was a 38 per cent increase on the previous week.
Photo shows A woman blows her nose with a box of tissues in front of herBetween the flu, COVID and RSV, we have 'so many things circulating simultaneously'. Here's what the data says
It's not an extraordinary year in terms of the flu or RSV "in isolation", but this year's winter season is unusual because there are many things circulating together.
Photo shows A woman in a blue top blowing her nose using a tissueWhen should you schedule your COVID-19 booster before holiday travel? Here's what the experts say
Many Australians are preparing to head overseas and interstate these school holidays. Medical experts reveal how long before their travel they should be getting a booster.
Topic:Explainer
Photo shows A generic stock photo of a row of gloved hands holding up COVID-19 vaccines.Is Australia facing another COVID-19 wave? Here's why case numbers are rising
With COVID cases rising across the country due to a new variant, FLiRT, we asked an infectious disease physician whether we should be worried and how to get over the virus quickly.
Topic:Explainer
Photo shows A hand holds a COVID-19 rapid antigen test. The test shows two lines, indicating a positive result.'Significant increases' in flu cases in NSW compared to last year
The flu season for New South Wales has started earlier than expected. But while some experts say this isn't room for huge concern, authorities are calling for the public to receive vaccinations.
Photo shows a woman lying on her side curled up in bed during the day, blowing her noseAshleigh was a sporty woman with an 'infectious' laugh. But asthma cut her life short and left her family heartbroken
Australia records its highest number of asthma deaths in a decade but a peak body says there are no straight answers as to why there has been an increase or why women like Ashleigh Young are more vulnerable.
Photo shows A man and woman hold a framed photo of their daughterMiners told to get repeat tests after audit exposes black lung bungle
A company has been suspended by Queensland's mining safety regulator for providing substandard lung tests to more than 130 coal workers.
Photo shows Two men in orange hi-vis workwear, one of whom is breathing into a purple device with a clip on his nose.AstraZeneca withdraws COVID-19 vaccine, cites a decline in demand
AstraZeneca has initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, which is no longer being manufactured or supplied, the company said.
Photo shows Small glass vial with label reading Astra Zeneca sits on bench next to a syringeStruggling to breathe and 'really out of it', baby Isabelle's RSV trauma prompts a mother's warning
The West Australian County Health Service says more than 100 cases of RSV have been recorded in the Kimberley over the past month, compared to a monthly average of 20-30.
Photo shows Baby sleeping on hospital bedTriple whammy of viruses, whooping cough adds pressure to early onset of flu season
Parts of Queensland have already experienced far higher numbers of flu and RSV cases compared to the same time last year.
Photo shows Baby in hospital bed with tubes in noseRSV vaccines are here in time for winter flu season – but not everyone is eligible
RSV vaccines are available for Australians for the first time this winter, but depending on what state you live in access may be limited. Linda Baumann battled the virus and knows just how fast it can take hold.
Photo shows Linda Baumann and her grandson Connor sit next to each other on a park bench. They're both smiling and happy.'It's real': Study suggests thousands of West Australians are suffering long-term COVID symptoms
While most have moved on from the coronavirus pandemic, a large cohort of people in Western Australia are still caught in its grip.
Photo shows man holding headWant to avoid winter's unwanted house guests? Here's when to get your vaccinations
As the weather starts to cool, now is the time to start preparing for some very unwanted house guests. Here's the latest information about changes to vaccine guidelines, and new immunisations.
Topic:Explainer
Photo shows Teenage girl sits up in bed and blows noseThis virus lands more babies and young children in hospital than any other condition, and now there's a free jab
RSV is a highly contagious virus that attacks the lungs and can lead to respiratory illnesses including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It is the leading cause of hospitalisation for infants in the state.
Topic:Explainer
Photo shows A tiny baby lying on a hosptal bed. Blue gloved hands hold an oxygen mask to their face.