In the run up to Christmas, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the importance of looking after their own mental health and that of their family and friends over the holiday period. Christmas is traditionally seen as a time of joy and celebration, but for some people it can be a stressful and lonely time.

Coughs and colds are among the most common reasons for people feeling poorly over the winter period, but these minor ailments don’t have to lead to a visit to your GP or out-of-hours services, says pharmacist Shauneen Ward. Shauneen, who features in this year’s ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign, is encouraging people to visit their pharmacist for minor ailments such as a cough or a cold before contacting their GP.

The dangers associated with blind cords are being highlighted in a video being launched today [Tuesday 6 December] by the Public Health Agency (PHA), in association with local councils in Northern Ireland, to encourage everyone to make their home blind cord safe. Dr Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, said: “Home accidents can easily be prevented by being aware of the dangers and hazards that are present in the home environment and putting in place interventions to minimise the risks.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding male travellers to and from Zika-affected areas to use condoms or barrier methods for sexual activity for six months after being in an affected area.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is making people aware of the presence of the winter vomiting and diarrhoea virus, also known as norovirus, circulating in the community. This is having an impact on nursing and residential homes, as well as some hospital services. The PHA recommends simple, practical steps to minimise the risk of contracting the illness and of spreading the virus, especially to older people and those with underlying health conditions who may be more vulnerable.

Corporate Plan Consultation - Deadline Extended until 22 February 2017 The PHA draft Corporate Plan is now out for public consultation (28 November 2016–22 February 2017). This draft plan sets out the strategic direction for the Public Health Agency for the next four years and has been developed through engagement with staff and colleagues and a wide range of external stakeholders.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using World AIDS Day (1 December), as an opportunity to raise awareness about HIV and encourage people to practise safer sex. This comes as the PHA today publishes its ‘HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2016’ report, which provides analysis of the latest HIV data for Northern Ireland. HIV/AIDS is a viral infection caused by type 1 and type 2 HIV retroviruses. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of HIV-contaminated needles and syringes, and transmission from mother to child before, during, or shortly after birth.