Epidemics and Pandemics

Genes, environment and lifestyle are some of the risk factors for serious diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. This is why scientists believe COVID-19 infection should be added to the list, writes Catherine Taylor.

Is the mask mandate coming back? Are there new booster shots? When can I go back to work? Everything you need to know if you get COVID-19.

We're in the grips of a surging COVID-19 wave but there's some good news — the new monovalent COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna will be up for grabs from December 11.

Wearing a mask at the shops, on public transport and in other crowded settings will help prevent you from getting infected with COVID or spreading it to other people, writes Raina MacIntyre.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been under attack from the Coalition and some sections of the media since he took office for the number of international trips he has taken. But how does he compare to other recent prime ministers?

Australia is into its next COVID wave. Case numbers and indicators of severe disease began rising in Victoria in August. But a consistent pattern is now emerging across Australia and rising sales of anti-viral medications are offering clues.

The former UK prime minister's senior advisor says Mr Johnson hoped to show the public COVID-19 did not pose a threat in the early days of the nation's outbreak. 

South Australia's public health chief Nicola Spurrier warns the state is "clearly" at the beginning of a "new wave" of COVID-19, but says the rise is not being driven by the Pirola variant.

New research suggests manufacturer statements about the accuracy of COVID rapid antigen tests generally 'overstate sensitivity', but experts say it's still important to use them.

Australia appears to be on the verge of an eighth COVID wave, with Victoria and NSW residents urged to wear masks to limit community transmission. Here's an update on the key facts about COVID.  

Wouldn't it be handy if we could be vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 with a single shot? Early clinical trials indicate that could be possible in a few years.

Most children recover fully after COVID in a similar way to other viruses. A small proportion experience prolonged symptoms including fatigue, post-exertional malaise, concentration difficulties and pain, writes Shidan Tosif.

While heart disease remains Australia's leading cause of death, data released by the ABS reveals a fuller picture of the nation's mortality rates. 

Dr Kerry Chant admits there's a "catalogue of things" that could have been done differently in dealing with COVID, but her response was cut short by the premier.

The Prime Minister has announced an investigation into the pandemic response; but he's facing accusations he is letting state leaders get off scot-free.

Dr Catherine Bennett, one of three people on the independent panel conducting the inquiry, says it's important to reflect on what lessons were learnt from the pandemic.

If it has been six months or longer since you last had a COVID-19 infection or a vaccine dose, you are eligible for a jab. Here's what you need to know before getting one.

An inquiry into government response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been announced, but state and territory local lockdowns and border closures are likely to avoid scrutiny.

As COVID-19 case numbers fall and remain out of the spotlight, some experts reckon it's probably for the best as we enter into a new territory of case reporting.

English is the common language of science, but it comes with downsides for scientists and our planet.

A radio community is a living, thriving, wriggling, combative, remarkable thing. As I prepare to step down I will not miss the early starts. But I know I will not find the kind of conversations and connection to an audience I have had in radio more than anywhere else, writes Virginia Trioli.

Following it's three-year isolation China will finally lift the last of it's controversial 'zero COVID' measures.

Since the pandemic began, Australians are having more spiritual conversations and thinking about mortality more often. So why do many of us consider ourselves not religious?

The scientific community pays tribute to the calm, warm epidemiologist who led Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic who some say was more respected than a head of state.

Can an employer, having first directed you to work from home, now turn around and mandate you don't? Giuseppe Carabetta explains your legal rights.