Flu and other respiratory illnesses are currently circulating and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported. With this in mind the Public Health Agency (PHA) is offering some simple advice to get us through winter and reminding everyone that hand hygiene and self-care are essential when preventing and managing winter illnesses. The PHA is urging all people eligible for the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines, who have not yet been vaccinated, to get it now and is particularly calling on

As Christmas approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to look after their mental health and that of their family and friends during the holiday season. Fiona Teague, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the PHA, said: “Many of us will be looking forward to this festive period, but f or some this can be a difficult time perhaps because of stress, bereavement, or feelings of isolation or loneliness, and with the added impact of the cost of living crisis, people may be feeling the effect on their mental health and wellbeing. So, it is as important as ever to

Christmas is nearly upon us and with many toys coming into homes in the next few weeks, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of children swallowing lithium button cell batteries. Button cell batteries are used in many toys and swallowing can cause choking, burning or poisoning and can lead to life-changing injuries or potentially death . “The festive season usually means that there will be new and pre-loved toys coming into the home and therefore a rise in the number of the small batteries which are inside many toys, musical Christmas cards, remote

As we prepare to welcome in a new year, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make a commitment to quit smoking this new year to improve their health. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “The start of 2023 is a brilliant opportunity to make a fresh start and to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money which is significant as people face tough times with the cost of living crisis.” There is lots of

With the festive season upon us and as our thoughts turn to spending time with friends and families, the Public Health Agency is asking people to remember those who may have difficulties with eating, drinking and swallowing safely. Eating, Drinking and Swallowing difficulties, or Dysphagia, can affect a wide range of people and can lead to a risk of choking, or even death. It is of the utmost importance that we all remember when we are out and about this Christmas to Be Safety Aware With Food and Drink.pdf (hscni.net) When visiting a relative in their own home, a care home or in hospital this

Christmas season is in full swing — but partying, alcohol consumption and a lack of awareness about sexually transmitted infections might mean some people will end up with an unwanted festive gift. With this is mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to take proactive steps to look after their sexual health and wellbeing this festive period. Dr Rachel Coyle, Consultant at the PHA, said: “Figures released recently show an overall increase in both testing and diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Northern Ireland. We want people to enjoy the festive period but it

With the festive party season under way, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is offering some helpful safer drinking advice for those who choose to drink alcohol. Many of us tend to over-indulge at Christmas but overdoing it with alcohol could seriously damage your health. Kevin Bailey, the PHA’s Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol, said: “Many of us like to have a drink at this time of year and we’re not saying people shouldn’t, but it’s important that we enjoy ourselves safely. “It is easy to forget that alcohol is a powerful drug and we need to be careful how we use it. Drinking too much has a

On average two people die every week in Northern Ireland as a result of an accident in the home and with this in mind a new pharmacy campaign has been launched with the aim of preventing home accidents. The ‘Home Accident Prevention’ campaign is running in local community pharmacies as part of the Living Well service. It aims to reduce the number of accidents in the home by raising community awareness of hazards and increasing knowledge on how to eliminate risks. The campaign will run throughout December and January. Living Well is offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland and

With Christmas around the corner time is running out to get your winter vaccines if you are eligible. The sooner you get them, the sooner you'll help protect yourself and those around you. Dr Brid Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA) is particularly calling on the parents of pre-school and school aged children to get them vaccinated against flu. “Evidence shows that the flu vaccine for children can provide direct protection to them and will also reduce the amount of flu circulating, thus providing indirect protection for older people and individuals with