Headlines on health

A new free vaccine program from the Federal Government is expected to protect pregnant women and babies from the potentially-deadly respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Health Minister Mark Butler says it could reduce hospitalisations due to the disease by 90 per cent.

Pregnancy loss is something thousands of women have to bear leading to intense grief and isolation. Gidget Foundation Australia - an organisation that provides specialist support for new and expectant parents - says early intervention is key in the healing process. But with the stigma around pregnancy loss still prominent, especially in migrant communities, this can be a challenge.

Fatima El-Assaad lost her daughter Aya in 2021 after she was born still at 27 weeks, but felt like she wasn't given the appropriate support to navigate her grief. It wasn't until Fatima started speaking to other Muslim parents, that she began to recognise a gap in culturally safe bereavement support. In fact, Fatima's advocacy group The Still Nest, contributed one of thousands of submissions to a world-first New South Wales birth trauma inquiry earlier this year - in which the government pledged support for all 43 recommendations. I'm your host Catriona Stirrat and in this episode of 'Hysterical' Fatima shares what she believes needs to change when it comes to healthy conversations around pregnancy loss.

Children under the age of 16 are to be banned from using social media, under a government proposal that will be introduced to Parliament this year. Advocates have welcomed the move, but experts warn there could be unintended consequences and loopholes in the ban. And a warning, this story includes stories of death and eating disorders.

A review of Australia's COVID-19 response has revealed a major erosion of trust by the Australian public and health systems. It found inconsistent messaging from state and federal governments and heavy restrictions contributed to the decline. In response, the federal government has committed more than 250 million dollars to establish a national public health body, by the start of 2026.

New research has found that an enlarged prostate gland is causing serious problems for more than 2.8 million Australian men and people assigned male at birth over the age of 50. The research by YouGov for Boston Scientific found most men fail to recognise the seriousness of what is a common health condition. The problems include increased frequency to urinate, and the risk of obstruction, bladder blockage and life-threatening symptoms. One man who spoke to SBS News explained how his prostate grew to the size of a softball forcing him to have surgery.

Revised drinking water guidelines in Australia have been released for public consultation. The update includes more stringent standards on the allowable level of the so-called forever chemicals or PFAS in tap water - based on the latest scientific evidence and international guidance on human health considerations.

Severe burns victims could be treated with better skin grafts, after clinical trials of an advanced version of artificially-grown skin. The tests through Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital have had positive results, with trials to be expanded across the country.

Bianca Millroy lives with functional neurological disorder, or FND - a condition that encompasses a range of neurological symptoms, including limb weakness, tremor, numbness or blackouts, and related to the movement and sensation parts of the nervous system. In this bonus episode of 'Hysterical', Catriona Stirrat speaks with Bianca who shares how her condition was undiagnosed and untreated for 12 of the 13 years she has lived with FND. Bianca says she was met with disbelief and continued misdiagnosis, until she finally found her voice in an unexpected way.

The federal government is planning to introduce a mandatory code of conduct around the marketing of infant baby formula and toddler milk in Australia.Public health groups are welcoming the move, saying it will help parents and caregivers make more informed choices in the early stages of a child's life.