A change in rapid COVID-19 tests which requires post-primary school pupils to swab only their nose is helping to make regular asymptomatic testing easier. School pupils in years 8-14 are asked to test themselves at home twice a week using Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests to help prevent those who may have the virus but not have symptoms from spreading COVID-19. The switch to the ACON Flowflex nose-only test for asymptomatic pupils will also see quicker return times for results, with the LFD giving a reading 15-30 minutes after taking the test. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Public Health

On World AIDS Day (1 December) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to practise safer sex and get tested early if they have put themselves at risk. A new report from the PHA shows that there are 1,234 people in Northern Ireland living with HIV. The ‘HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2021’ data also shows that 60 new cases of HIV were diagnosed here in 2020. The report provides analysis of the HIV data for Northern Ireland in 2020 and trends over the years. Dr Gillian Armstrong , Interim Head of Health Protection in Public Health at the PHA, said: “The report shows a five

The Public Health Agency is reminding the public not to touch dead birds. The reminder comes following a Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) announcement about the presence of avian influenza in two wild birds retrieved from the Belfast Waterworks site last week. Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said:“Human infections with avian influenza are rare. However you should observe the following advice to prevent any other risks to your health: do not pick up or touch sick, dying or dead poultry or wild birds, and keep pets away from them; avoid

The ripple effect from a single COVID-19 outbreak has been highlighted today, as the Public Health Agency (PHA) encourages young people to get vaccinated. This weekend, 27 and 28 November, sees a series of special vaccination clinics across Northern Ireland for 12 to 17 year olds. This will offer Pfizer first doses as well as second doses to those who are eligible. A newly-released PHA map shows the spread of cases across different local government districts from a single outbreak at an entertainment vent earlier this month. The event for young people at a hospitality venue in Mid Ulster has

The height of winter is fast approaching and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to continue to follow public health advice when in healthcare settings. Rodney Morton, Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professions at the PHA, said: “As we move deeper into winter, we are seeing increased pressure on our healthcare settings. “Everyone attending or visiting must remain vigilant and continue to protect those sick and vulnerable people who are cared for in all our health and social care settings, those who attend Emergency Departments, Outpatients or other healthcare facilities

This year during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (18-24 November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is asking everyone to pledge their support to help keep antibiotics working. Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It is important to remember that antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses, and when they are not used appropriately, bacteria can become resistant. As a result, some antibiotics are becoming less effective against the bacterial infections they were designed to treat. Infections caused by resistant bacteria can be very difficult to tackle, can be

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among both men and women in Northern Ireland, with around 1300 cases diagnosed each year. During Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) wants to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms and encourage people to take action if they are concerned. Some symptoms of lung cancer are similar to those of COVID-19, like a cough. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening with the PHA said: “If you’re aged 40 or older and have a persistent new or different cough for three weeks or more, contact your GP