The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today, on World Cancer Day, highlighting the signs and symptoms of cancer and encouraging people to seek medical advice from their GP if they have concerns. “The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of survival as treatment is more likely to be successful,” said Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA. “During the COVID-19 pandemic many people may have concerns about a change they have noticed in their body, but might be hesitant to contact their GP. “However, it is important not to delay if you develop a

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging 50-64 year olds who have not yet had the free flu vaccine to get it soon. The seasonal flu vaccination programme has been extended to include those over 50, which will help protect more people from flu and relieve further pressure on the health service. Dr David Irwin, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Although flu levels are much lower this year than we have seen in previous years, it is essential that we don’t become complacent. The flu virus hasn’t gone away and could re-emerge at any time, so we must treat it with the respect it

It is now clear that COVID-19 has a greater effect in older people, and those with underlying health conditions, but there are no treatments specifically available for use outside hospital settings that work against COVID-19. Right now a UK-wide clinical trial called PRINCIPLE is looking for possible treatments. PRINCIPLE is a self-enrolment research study to find treatments for COVID-19 for people in the community who are at higher risk of complications and it is being run across the UK. The Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network (NICRN), which is leading the study here, is appealing for

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding the public of the importance of seeking urgent medical care if they experience any of the symptoms of stroke and that help is available for those who need medical attention. A person is at a higher risk of death or disability if they take a stroke, than from COVID-19, if not treated urgently. A stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention, so recognising a stroke and calling 999 is crucial. To be most effective, stroke treatments such as thrombolysis (clot dispersal) and thrombectomy (clot removal) must be provided for

New figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA) show that the Take Home Naloxone programme saw naloxone administered 180 times in 2019-20 and was successful in reversing an opiate overdose in over 91% of cases. Naloxone, supplied in a small syringe, is injected intramuscularly and can be administered by anyone in an emergency overdose situation. Since April 2014, Take Home Naloxone has been successful in reversing 598 opiate overdoses. In 2019-20, it reversed 163 overdoses. The Public Health Agency, with support from the Health and Social Care Board, coordinates the Take Home Naloxone

With spring just around the corner the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women about the risk of close contact with sheep during lambing season. The PHA is advising women who are, or think they may be, pregnant to reduce their risk of miscarriage and infection by avoiding close contact with sheep during lambing season, which runs from February until around the end of April. Dr Gerry Waldron, Assistant Director of Public Health (Health Protection) at the PHA, said: “Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may be risking their own health and that of

While we’re all again being asked to stay at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to think about their alcohol habits during this period. Drinking too much can seriously damage your health and have a negative impact on those around you. Whilst at home more, five key things to remember are: Don’t stockpile alcohol in your home – the more you have the more tempted you may be to drink. Keep out of reach and sight of children – with schools closed, children are around the house more, so set a good example, don’t drink