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  You’ve probably only thought about your tonsils when they become sore, swollen, or infected. But these small glands at the back of your throat actually play a key role in your immune system—especially in early childhood. So what do your tonsils do, and when should you be concerned if they start acting up? Let’s explore what tonsils are, when they become a problem, and how telehealth services like Hola Health can help you access care from home. What Are Tonsils? Tonsils are part of your body’s first line of defence. They’re lymphoid tissues that help detect and trap viruses and bacteria entering through your mouth or nose. In children, tonsils are particularly active and help build up immunity. There are three types of tonsils: Palatine tonsils (the ones you can see at the back of your throat) Adenoids (located behind the nose) Lingual tonsils (at the base of your tongue) Over time, as the immune system matures, tonsils shrink and becom...

  Parenting is a rewarding but challenging journey—especially when your child is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Understanding ADHD, its symptoms, and available treatments is essential for supporting your child’s health and wellbeing. If you’re concerned your child might have ADHD, or if they’ve recently been diagnosed, this guide will help you navigate what to expect and how to access care—right from home via telehealth. What Is ADHD in Children? ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by symptoms such as: Difficulty focusing or paying attention Hyperactivity or constant movement Impulsivity or acting without thinking These behaviours can affect your child’s learning, social interactions, and everyday activities. Recognizing the Signs: When Should Parents Seek Help? If your child frequently struggles with concentration, is overly restless, or shows impulsive behaviour that impacts their daily life, it’s importa...

Since the start of the pandemic, treatments for COVID-19 have come a long way. One of the most talked-about medications is Paxlovid—an oral antiviral treatment that can help reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, especially for people at higher risk. But what exactly is Paxlovid, how does it work, and how can you access it in Australia? In this article, we break it down in simple terms, including how to use telehealth appointments and online prescriptions to access care without leaving your home. What Is Paxlovid? Paxlovid is an oral antiviral treatment developed specifically to combat COVID-19 in its early stages. It’s made up of two active components: Nirmatrelvir – this is the main antiviral that directly targets the virus and stops it from replicating. Ritonavir – this drug helps boost the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir by slowing its breakdown in your body, allowing it to remain active for longer. Together, these medications ...

  Chest congestion can feel uncomfortable, frustrating, and at times even alarming. It’s that tight, heavy feeling in your chest that’s often accompanied by a cough, mucus build-up, or shortness of breath. But what exactly causes chest congestion—and when should you seek help? In this blog, we’ll explore the most common triggers of chest congestion, and how modern healthcare tools like online prescriptions, telehealth appointments , and instant consults can help you manage symptoms more conveniently. Common Triggers of Chest Congestion  1. Viral Infections (Cold, Flu, COVID-19) Viral infections are one of the most frequent causes of chest congestion. When you catch a cold or the flu, your body’s immune system responds by inflaming the airways to fight off the virus. This inflammation causes your body to produce more mucus, which can collect in the lungs and air passages—making your chest feel tight and heavy. COVID-19, while often associated with more severe re...

  Menopause isn’t just one moment in time—it’s a journey that happens in three distinct stages: perimenopause , menopause , and postmenopause . Each stage comes with its own set of symptoms, changes, and health considerations. Understanding what’s happening in your body during each phase can help you manage symptoms more effectively and feel more empowered about your health. Thanks to the growth of telehealth in Australia , support is more accessible than ever—whether you need an online prescription , a doctors certificate online , or an instant consult with a healthcare provider. Let’s break down each stage and explore how to manage them naturally and with professional support. 1. Perimenopause: The Transition Phase Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, often starting in your 40s—but for some women, it can begin earlier. During this phase, your hormone levels (especially estrogen and progesterone) begin to fluctuate, leading to irregular periods and a v...

  When your partner is going through a mental health challenge — whether it’s anxiety, depression, or something more complex — it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally draining for both of you. You want to help, but it’s not always clear how. Here are 7 practical and compassionate ways you can support your partner while also protecting your own wellbeing. These steps are especially relevant if you're navigating this together in Australia, where telehealth mental health services and online GP consults are accessible and confidential. 1. 🧠 Educate Yourself About Mental Health Understanding your partner’s condition is the first step to supporting them effectively. Learn about depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder , or whatever they’re experiencing. It helps you respond with empathy rather than judgment. Tip : Look for reliable sources like Beyond Blue, Head to Health, or speak to a GP online for trusted information. 2. 🗣️ Encourage Open and Non...

Got a stuffy nose, sore head, and feeling drained? You might be asking yourself — is this just a cold or could it be a sinus infection? While both can feel quite similar at first, there are important differences in symptoms, duration, and treatment. In this blog, we’ll help you spot the signs, understand what’s happening in your body, and know when to seek help — including via online doctor consultations in Australia. 🤧 What Is a Cold? A cold is a viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract. It’s common, contagious, and typically clears up in 7–10 days without needing antibiotics. Common Cold Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose Sneezing Sore throat Mild fatigue Cough Low-grade fever (sometimes) Watery eyes Colds usually start with a scratchy throat or sneezing and progress to nasal congestion or post-nasal drip. While annoying, symptoms are generally mild. 🤒 What Is a Sinus Infection? A sinus infection (...

  Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. While many people recover quickly, RSV can cause serious illness in infants, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. With RSV cases rising during cooler months in Australia, it's important to understand how the virus spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. What Is RSV? RSV, short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a viral infection that affects the lungs and airways. It’s one of the most common causes of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia in children under 2 years of age. Most people are infected with RSV by age 2, but reinfection can occur at any age. Causes: How RSV Spreads RSV spreads similarly to the flu and the common cold. It is transmitted through: Droplets from a cough or sneeze Direct contact with contamin...

  COVID-19 has affected millions of people worldwide, and while many recover fully within a few weeks, some experience symptoms that last for months. This condition, often called Long COVID, can be frustrating and challenging to manage. Understanding how to cope with ongoing symptoms and knowing when to seek medical help can improve your quality of life. What is Long COVID?  Long COVID, sometimes called post-COVID syndrome or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a condition where people continue to experience symptoms long after they have recovered from the initial COVID-19 infection. While most people recover from COVID-19 within a few weeks, some individuals — regardless of how mild or severe their initial illness was — may have symptoms that last for several weeks or even months. This ongoing illness is called Long COVID. Why Does Long COVID Happen? The exact cause of Long COVID is still being studied, but experts believe it may be due to a combi...

  With cold and flu season around the corner and COVID-19 still a concern, many Australians find themselves wondering: How can I tell if I have a common cold, the flu, or COVID-19? While these illnesses share similar symptoms, they are caused by different viruses and may require different treatments or precautions. Knowing the differences can help you decide when to book a telehealth appointment seek an online doctor, or get a medical certificate if you need to stay home. What is a Common Cold? The common cold is one of the most frequent illnesses people experience, especially during the colder months. It’s caused by many different viruses—more than 200 types—but the most common culprit is the rhinovirus. Because there are so many different viruses that cause colds, it’s possible to catch colds multiple times a year. Colds usually develop slowly, with symptoms starting off mild and gradually getting worse over a few days. Typical symptoms include: Runny or s...