Meningitis - know the signs and symptoms

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling for people to make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, with the prevalence of this potentially life-threatening illness at its highest during the winter. Dr Richard Smithson, Consultant in Health Protection, PHA, explained: “Meningitis can occur at any time of year, but is seen most frequently in the winter. It is a serious disease, so it is vital everyone becomes more vigilant of the signs and symptoms to be able to detect the disease earlier, to allow early intervention.

Local pregnant woman Rebecca says flu vaccine has given her ‘peace of mind’

Influenza activity in Northern Ireland has increased in recent weeks weeks. While this increase is expected at this time of year, it reinforces the need for people who are ‘at risk’ to get the vaccine as soon as possible, and this is particularly important for pregnant women. Women can find they are bombarded with advice during their pregnancy and face making tough choices about what is best for them and their baby. However, one Northern Ireland mum-to-be said her decision to get the flu vaccine this year required no debating at all.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 3 (14 - 20 January 2013)

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is produced during the flu season.

Helping your child learn to talk

This leaflet was developed for parents and carers of toddlers aged between one and a half to two and a half years old who need help learning to talk.

Helping your baby learn to talk

This leaflet was developed for parents and carers of babies aged up to one and a half years old who need help learning to talk.

Keep warm and look after yourself and others during the cold snap

During the unexpected March cold snap and with many homes still without electricity, the Public Health Agency is advising everyone to look after themselves and others, especially elderly. Keeping warm over cold periods can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. There are simple things you can do to keep warm and stay healthy. Keep warm at home by:

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 2 (7 - 13 January 2013)

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is produced during the flu season.

Early years intervention to improve later life

What happens in the early stages of life, and in particular before a child enters school, will impact significantly on their growth and development throughout their school years and also their long term health, wellbeing and life chances. That’s what delegates at an early years conference, held today [Thursday 17], heard about the importance of providing children with the best start in life.

Before turning up the heat think about carbon monoxide

As the weather is set to turn colder over the coming weeks and homes across Northern Ireland will be turning on the heating and lighting fires, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising people to buy and fit a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. CO poisoning can be fatal and affect anyone. However, children, older people, pregnant women and people with heart or breathing problems are more vulnerable to its effects.
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