Public Health Isle of Man

Winter viruses can bring on serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis. If you are 65 or older, you are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccination to help protect you from these infections. Contact your GP if you’re not sure if you’ve had the pneumococcal vaccine or visit https://lnkd.in/eYhRJzKb for more information.

Calling all landlords and accommodation providers! We wish to hear from you on your perceptions of homelessness in the Island and whether any of your guests/residents are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. We will be sending a short survey in January to a list of identified providers. The results of the survey will be compiled into a report examining current need, provisions and any gaps. This is the first stage of our research and further surveys will be conducted with other groups and the public in order to find out more about the nature of homelessness in the Isle of Man. If you want to know more or to make sure you’re on the list to receive the survey, email publichealth@gov.im

Please be aware that Norovirus and Diarrhoea and Vomiting (D&V) is here. Listen to our Deputy Director's advice on protecting yourself from norovirus and what to do if you become unwell https://lnkd.in/eHvGpJ2M

Flu viruses can spread easily over the winter months and young children can be particularly vulnerable to severe illness. If your child was aged 2 or 3 before 31st August 2024 they can receive the nasal flu vaccine free from their GP. Contact your child’s GP practice to book. Visit www.gov.im/flu for more information

'Tis the season to be jolly? Despite all the months of hype around Christmas, not everybody is looking forward to it. The expectation of merriment often makes depression worse and witnessing others enjoying themselves can increase a sense of loneliness. Disruption to normal routines and the pressures of Christmas increases domestic tension in some households. You can help by reaching out. No one chooses to have a hard time. So try not to be judgemental or take it personally. Make time for them, listen. And if it’s you struggling, be gentle on yourself. It’s OK to prioritise what’s best for you and spend less time in difficult places. Perhaps talk to someone you trust. Christmas goodwill is often spoken about, but less often demonstrated. But you can….be kind to yourself, be a friend, make the connection. For more tips on coping with Christmas if you are struggling, visit https://lnkd.in/d2KnZdk

Earlier this autumn, 20 local barbers turned out for BarberTalk, crucial training to help spot the warning signs of clients who may have thoughts of suicide. Hannah from the Barber Shop recognises the benefits of having the training so that when clients want to open up, you can be there for them. Hannah said: ‘A lot of people go to medical professionals and they don’t feel heard, they don’t feel understood and maybe they can go to someone like their barber who can be more understanding, especially if they’ve been through those kind of experiences themselves.’ #suicideprevention If you have been affected by the content in the above post, please visit https://lnkd.in/eQnWA24c

Feeling unwell? It’s important to take steps to recover and stop the spread: ✅ Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene ✅ Drink plenty of fluids ✅ Eat a healthy diet ✅ Stay away from others if you are unwell Keep our Island healthy https://lnkd.in/eXNUahai #staywellthiswinter

Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. If you have it, drink lots of fluids and stay at home for 48 hours after your symptoms clear. Help protect others by not going to work, school, visiting care homes or hospitals. Find out more www.gov.im/dandv

Earlier this autumn, 20 local barbers turned out for some crucial training to help spot the warning signs of clients who may have thoughts of suicide. For barbers in the Isle of Man, BarberTalk is a really important programme because it equips them with the tools they need to support clients who may be struggling. Joshua at Renegade said: ‘At the end of the day, when someone sits in our chair, they’re also our friend and if we can offer help to them, we’ve made someone’s day and we’ve potentially saved a life.’ Find out more www.gov.im/barbertalk #suicideprevention If you have been affected by the content in the above post, please visit https://lnkd.in/eQnWA24c

If you are an adult who is not out in the sun for at least 15 minutes per day, there is some evidence that taking at least 10mcg (400 international units) of Vitamin D per day may reduce your risk of severe illness if you catch a viral respiratory infection. Ask your #pharmacist about #vitamind www.gov.im/vitamind