It’s that time of year again, the time when you start hearing coughing and sneezing throughout the office and working days are lost due to flu. Although flu can be mild for many, people who are in at-risk groups are particularly susceptible to the seriousness of flu. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising all employers of ways flu can be reduced in the workplace, leading to less sick days and a more productive workforce.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) today welcomed the announcement that Professor Sir Mike Richards (National Cancer Director) will undertake a review of the evidence underpinning breast screening.

Funding from the Health and Social Care Research and Development (HSC R&D) division of the Public Health Agency (PHA) has helped the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) create a new meningitis diagnostic test. The test has been licensed to HiberGene Diagnostics Ltd, a start-up client company of NovaUCD, the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre, Dublin.

Flooding has affected a number of areas throughout Northern Ireland causing disruption and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the potential public health risks associated with such severe weather. Dr Anne Wilson, Public Health Consultant for the PHA, said: "In relation to flooding, the risk of contracting illness is generally low. However, as it is not always clear whether water is contaminated or not, the public are urged to exercise caution and assume that flood water is contaminated."

A major, ongoing Public Health Agency (PHA) led consultation exercise has identified 12 recommendations to improve the lives of the 48,000 people, and their carers, who experience neurological conditions across Northern Ireland. These recommendations will form the basis of an action plan to improve service delivery and support for those experiencing a range of conditions, such as epilepsy, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The recommendations cover four areas:

Although the risk of catching an infection as a result of a fish spa pedicure is likely to be very low, it cannot be completely excluded. However, there are certain things you can do to further reduce your risk of catching or spreading an infection when having one of these treatments. Choosing a salon