Ahead of World Stroke Day (29 October) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to think ‘FAST’ if they see someone having a stroke because the quicker you act the better the outcomes can be. Stroke is a common cause of death and disability in Northern Ireland with approximately 2,800 new strokes here every year. While the majority of strokes occur in people over the age of 65, it can strike at any age, with 25% occurring in people under the age of 65. Dr Brid Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “ This World Stroke Day we want to raise awareness of the main signs

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is produced during the flu season. To see previous Flu Bulletins and the Annual Surveillance Reports click here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to be breast aware and know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. “There were almost 1,500 cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland in 2019,” said Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA. “While breast cancer can occur at any age, the risk of developing it increases with age and most occur in women over the age of 50. “If breast cancer is found early, there is a better chance that treatment will be successful. “To ensure you pick up any changes

The Public Health Agency (PHA) would like to take this opportunity to encourage people at risk who are either immunosuppressed or immunocompromised to get ready for winter by taking up the free vaccination when it is offered to you. These individuals may suffer more severely if they catch either Influenza or COVID-19 but vaccination will help reduce this risk. The following at risk groups and their household contacts/carers are eligible for either the flu, COVID-19 or both vaccinations. Eligible groups for flu vaccine in 2022 to 2023 are: Those aged 6 months to 2 years, and 16 to 49 years in

The colder months can be difficult for families, with many parents and guardians concerned about trying to keep their home and young babies warm. However, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents and guardians with young babies of the importance of following safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of sudden infant death. Emily Roberts, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children at the PHA, said: “It is really important to keep your baby’s sleep environment safe throughout the winter months, especially when there may be temptations to add more blankets or to bring very young babies

Over 72,000 men have been screened in Northern Ireland in the past 10 years for potentially life-threatening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) with over 750 aneurysms detected by screening during that time. The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta and can be dangerous if it isn't spotted early on. The success of the programme, in detecting and successfully managing this condition, has been highlighted at an event to mark the tenth anniversary of the screening programme. The event in Belfast was

As university and third-level students start a new term, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding them of the dangers of mixing alcohol and drugs. Most fatal overdoses involve the use of more than one type of drug, and any combination of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illicit drugs and alcohol can be dangerous. Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “It’s easy to forget that alcohol itself is a powerful drug and mixing any drugs, including prescription medications and alcohol, can be unpredictable and unsafe. “Those returning to university or