Flu and other respiratory illnesses are currently circulating and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks, the PHA has warned.
High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported. On Tuesday, the Public Health Agency (PHA) issued advice amid the rise in cases.
It urged all people eligible for the free flu and Covid-19 vaccines, who have not yet been vaccinated, to get it now and called on the parents of pre-school and school-aged children to get them vaccinated against flu.
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A spokesperson said: "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 underlying health conditions."
Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, added: “Group A streptococcus usually results in a relatively mild illness. Rarely, when the bacteria get into blood it can cause a more serious illness referred to as invasive Group A streptococcal infection. Having a viral infection such as flu at the same time as Group A streptococcal infection increases the risk of developing the more serious invasive disease.
"The flu vaccine reduces the risk of having flu and group A Strep infections at the same time. The PHA strongly recommends children who are eligible get the flu vaccine – it’s the best way to protect them from serious illness. The flu vaccine for children has an excellent safety record, this includes the nasal spray given to school-aged children and pre-schoolers, which has been given to millions of children in the UK and worldwide.
"Following some simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.
"Good hand and respiratory hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading and make sure to wash your hands afterwards.
"Adults with symptoms of a respiratory infection and a high temperature or who do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out your normal activities should stay at home and avoid contact with other people and should not visit others in health and social care settings. Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen will ease your symptoms and help you recover. If you are concerned about your symptoms or they are getting worse contact your GP. In an emergency dial 999."
A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: "We work closely with the Public Health Agency (PHA), to provide support to schools in relation to flu and group A strep. The EA circulated a letter from the PHA to all schools on 7th December with advice and guidance on group A strep and further parent resources were issued to schools on 8th December.
"Our School Improvement Professionals continue to work closely with schools to provide appropriate support, escalating any urgent issues to the PHA.
"We would strongly urge all parents and carers to be alert to the signs of both the flu and group A strep and to follow the guidance."
More information can be found online here.
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