Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 1 (31 December 2012 – 6 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.

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

Pregnant women urged to get whooping cough vaccine

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging pregnant women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more to get the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine, following a rise in the numbers of cases. During 2012 there were 309 confirmed cases, compared with just 15 in 2011. Increases in levels of the illness are seen every three to four years, however, the numbers in 2012 are the highest for about twenty years.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 51-52 (17- 30 December 2012)

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

Major campaign to tackle obesity

A major new public information campaign to tackle overweight and obesity is being launched today by the Public Health Agency (PHA). The campaign is taking two main approaches: firstly, helping people to identify whether they are inching towards bad health by being overweight or obese, and secondly, offering advice on small steps that they can take to help reduce their waist size.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 49- 50 (3- 16 December 2012)

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

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

PHA advice on winter vomiting virus

The Public Health Agency (PHA) would like to remind the public that although there is a continuing presence throughout Northern Ireland of the winter vomiting virus, also known as norovirus, at present, it is not unusual for this time of year. The PHA recommends simple, practical steps to minimise the risk of illness to others, especially older people and those with underlying conditions who may be more vulnerable.

Give the gift of life this Christmas

This Christmas the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone in Northern Ireland to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register and give the ‘Gift of Life’. Almost 200 people in Northern Ireland are currently waiting for a transplant and sadly the chance will come too late for many. One family that knows all too well the joy the ‘Gift of life’ can bring is echoing the PHA’s plea.

Don’t spread the flu while kissing under the mistletoe this Christmas!

Flu is more likely to surface in the winter months and with this in mind the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising on what action to take if you develop the illness, particularly over the Christmas period. Dr Maureen McCartney, Consultant in Health Protection, PHA, advises: “If you do get flu, the PHA’s advice is to stay at home and don’t spread your infection to others, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies if they make you feel more comfortable.

PHA advises “stop smoking this New Year”

With the holiday season in full-swing, minds will soon be turning to New Year’s resolutions, and once again quitting smoking will be at the top of many people’s ‘to do’ list when the clock strikes midnight on 31 December. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make a plan, think about what steps they are going to take to stay off tobacco for good, and to seek practical support and advice from a Stop Smoking Service.
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