Common health problems

The risk of coughs and colds turning into a potentially serious chest infection increases as we get older. If you catch a cold, use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw it away and wash your hands. Keep warm and drink plenty of fluids.

If you are over 60 with a bad cough or sore throat, or you are having trouble breathing because of a cold, speak to your pharmacist. They will advise if you need to see your GP.

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your GP is likely to prescribe antibiotics and steroid tablets to keep at home. Start the course if you feel you are having a flare-up and are feeling more breathless, coughing more, or notice your phlegm has increased or changed colour.

If you're worried about your physical health, it's useful to have an pulse oximeter at home to measure your blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) and your pulse rate.

You may be eligible for a Covid-19 or flu vaccination if you have an underlying medical condition. Check your eligibility at www.GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk

The main cause of lung disease is smoking. Giving up will reduce your risk of serious illness. For help, phone the One You Kent Smoke Free service on 0300 123 1220. If you live in Medway, phone 01634 334 800 or 0800 234 6805, during office hours.

If you have a severe flare-up, and your breathing is much worse than normal despite treatment, urgently contact your GP. In the evening, or at weekends, phone NHS 111. They will put you in touch with the out-of-hours doctors, if needed.

Breathe Easy support groups are available for people living with a lung condition. Find more information at Asthma and Lung UK.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in older people but symptoms can be hard to spot. They are also more common in women than in men.

Tell-tale signs in older people include incontinence, a change in mental state or unusual tiredness.

Practical tips

Drinking plenty of fluids will reduce your risk of a UTI.

What to do

Most symptoms - like needing to go to the loo more, having a burning sensation when urinating or suffering pain in the lower tummy - are mild and pass within four to five days. But if they persist or are very uncomfortable, contact your GP who may prescribe antibiotics.

If someone suddenly becomes much more confused, it may be a sign they are becoming seriously unwell.

Practical tips

Look out for unusual or odd behaviour, confusion about surroundings and an unwillingness, or inability, to follow instructions.

This is not the same as dementia. These may be signs of delirium.

What to do

Contact their GP, or NHS 111 if the practice is closed, if you spot these changes, so treatment can be started as soon as possible.

Delirium usually lasts about a week, but it can take up to six months for the patient to return to normal.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, which can lead to confusion.

Many of us are used to living with mottled patches on our skin, but if an area of skin suddenly turns red, hot and tender, particularly on your legs, it could be cellulitis. This is an infection of the deep layers of the skin and underlying tissue.

Most cases of cellulitis are caused by infections, which get in through a cut, burn, bite or broken skin.

Practical ways to reduce the risk

• Keep your skin moisturised.
• Treat any cuts and grazes,
  or broken skin caused by eczema.
• Talk to your pharmacist about
  treatment for fungal infections
  on the hands or feet.

What to do

Contact your GP practice urgently, or NHS 111 if your practice is closed.

A course of antibiotics will usually clear up the infection, provided it is caught early.

In some cases, the bacteria that cause cellulitis can trigger a secondary infection, such as septicaemia (blood poisoning).

If you are sick, develop a fever, start breathing fast, or become confused or disoriented, a friend or relative should contact your GP practice or NHS 111.