Chest infections can be serious – and prevention matters, especially as we head into colder months. 🫁💙

Chest infections affect the lungs or large airways. Common symptoms include a chesty cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, a high temperature, headaches, aching muscles and tiredness. Many improve within around 7–10 days, although a cough can last for up to three weeks.

Respiratory illness also places significant pressure on the NHS. Respiratory disease accounts for around 700,000 hospital admissions and 6 million inpatient bed days each year, with demand often peaking during winter.

Damp and mould can affect your lungs too. Damp and mould in the home can increase the risk of respiratory infections and worsen conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and COPD. Government estimates linked damp and mould in English homes with around 8,500 lower respiratory infections in 2019.

Help reduce moisture at home by ventilating rooms, using extractor fans, avoiding drying clothes indoors where possible and dealing with leaks promptly. A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air, but it's also important to identify and address the underlying cause of damp or mould.

If you have a chest infection and feel very unwell, your symptoms are getting worse, you cough up blood, or you've had a cough for more than three weeks, contact your GP. You should also seek advice if you're pregnant, over 65, have a weakened immune system or have a long-term heart, lung or kidney condition.

Chest infection advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chest-infection/

To mark World Ostomy Day (Stoma Aware Day), Crohn’s & Colitis UK are hosting a virtual social event for people living with a stoma.

Join them on Wednesday 7 October, 6:30pm–8:00pm for a friendly online get-together where you can connect with others, share experiences of life with a stoma and swap practical tips.

💻 Online event
📅 Wednesday 7 October
⏰ 6:30pm–8:00pm

Whether you’re new to life with a stoma or have been living with one for some time, everyone is welcome.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-ostomy-day-virtual-social-event-tickets-2000440286748

#WorldOstomyDay #StomaAwareDay #StomaAwareness #Ostomy #CrohnsAndColitisUK

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 is a great opportunity to quit smoking and start feeling the benefits of a smoke-free life. 🚭💙

Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. From the moment you stop, your body begins to recover, and over time you can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease and many cancers. ❤️

Quitting can be challenging, but you don't have to rely on willpower alone. There is support available to help you manage cravings, choose suitable stop-smoking treatments and find practical ways to stay on track. 🤝

Taking part in Stoptober gives you the chance to join thousands of other people making a quit attempt this October. Even if you've tried before, don't be discouraged – every quit attempt can bring you closer to stopping for good. 🌟

You could also notice benefits such as breathing more easily, having more energy, improving your sense of taste and smell, and saving money. 💷

Make this October the month you take your first step towards becoming smoke-free. 🚭

Quit smoking advice and support:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

#Stoptober #QuitSmoking #SmokeFree

Is your teen dealing with anxiety or depression and aged 16-17? Enroll them in a 9-week research study testing a new digital therapy platform from the comfort of home.

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