Without doubt the illness that causes my female patients the most grief (albeit temporarily) is when they contract a urinary tract infection. With cries like, “Doctor, it really, really hurts!”, “It’s really stinging when I pee”, or “I have the urge to ‘go’ 20 times a day!” – it really is the infection that women hate the most.

By Dr Natalie Caristo MBBS, BSc (Hons), FRACGP 

What does 13SICK do? When can I call? What sort of illnesses do you treat? For quick answers to these and other common questions, consult our handy infographic - and request a magnet too! 

Dr Umberto Russo, MBBS (Adelaide) FRACGP

In Australia every year, it is estimated that up to four million people will contract influenza. It causes countless absentee days from work and school. More than 13,500 patients are admitted to hospital with complications from the flu, and last year over 3,000 people in Australia died from the flu.

By Dr Umberto Russo MBBS, FRACGP

Gastroenteritis, or ‘gastro’ as we commonly call it, is one of the top ten reasons our Doctors get called out after hours. While usually not life threatening, gastro can be a debilitating and unpleasant experience for patients and their carers, particularly when they don’t fully understand why they are suddenly sick.

With winter approaching, respiratory illnesses are on the rise – and a very common illness in young children is croup. The barking cough and hoarse breathing can be alarming for parents and patients alike…