Influenza (commonly referred to as 'seasonal flu') is a respiratory illness associated with infection by influenza virus. Seasonal flu is made up of several strains including H1N1 (swine flu). This year’s seasonal flu vaccines include protection against H1N1. The strains circulating this year include H1N1 and this strain has already been found in small numbers of people in Northern Ireland, and as such is not unusual. At this point in the year seasonal flu rates remain low compared to previous years.

If you are expecting a new baby this year, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging you to give your little one the best start by protecting them against the diarrhoea and vomiting bug rotavirus.

During Cervical Cancer Awareness week (19-25 January) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women to take up invites to have a regular screening test for cervical cancer – it could literally save your life. With an average of 105 women diagnosed with cervical cancer and 24 women dying from the disease each year in Northern Ireland, it is important for individuals to accept their invitation for a screening test.

Today has been dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ in light of claims that it is the “most depressing day of the year”, and while the science behind it remains to be proven, the Public Health Agency (PHA) says that is still a good opportunity to take time out to look after your own mental health and that of people close to you.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has produced a new leaflet for mums-to-be. ‘Getting to know your baby: How to start connecting with your baby’ has been written to help mothers understand why it is helpful to start building a relationship with their baby during pregnancy. It also explains what parents need to know in order to get off to a good start with caring for and feeding baby. The leaflet will be used to help midwives have conversations with women about getting to know baby and what to expect in the early days.

Today the Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new resource pack designed to assist nursery schools and playgroups deliver a healthy breaks scheme. All nursery schools and playgroups in Northern Ireland will receive the pack – ‘Healthy breaks for pre-school children’ – which includes a poster and information leaflets for parents explaining why a healthy break is so important for pre-school children and some tips and ideas for healthy nutritious breaks.

The Health and Social Care Board and Public Health Agency have developed a draft plan for volunteering in health and social care. Volunteering has always played a significant role in the delivery of health and social care in Northern Ireland. Volunteers add value to the work of paid staff by providing befriending, meeting and greeting, transport, chaplaincy, meal time support, breastfeeding support and many other roles.