Physical health
Key information on this page includes:
Vaccinations and immunisations
You won’t have the type of vaccinations you had when you were little anymore, but it’s still a good idea to take the ones offered to you. These could include:
- COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Flu jabs.
- Shingles vaccine.
- Pneumococcal vaccine.
- BCG vaccine for tuberculosis (only given to adults a risk of tuberculosis from work).
Common illnesses
Now you’re an adult the common illnesses you might get will probably be similar to what you had when you were a teenager, you’ll probably still get colds and flu and infections but more serious illnesses will depend on who you interact with and where you go. If you travel abroad make sure that you have had any injections that are recommended before you go. Don’t let a fear of getting ill stop you from going to new places and meeting new people.
If you start feeling unwell and it isn’t like any illness you’ve had before and you become very concerned, go to your GP and they will help you understand what you might have, it could be something minor but it could be something worse, so it's better to be safe and go to the doctors.
Things to look out for and get help as soon as possible
If you had asthma as a child it may have carried into adulthood, make sure you keep going to appointment with your GP so they can keep track of you and keep prescribing you inhalers.
Listen to your body, it will tell you if something isn’t right and you might be getting ill. You should think about seeing a doctor or going to talk to the local pharmacist if you start having aches and pains, if you get tired quickly and suddenly, and if you start feeling indigestion after eating or losing your appetite.
Where to go for help and support
There are a number of services available to you who can help you. Calling NHS 111 will help you access local health services, it is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Going to your local pharmacist is another great idea, they will be able to provide you with guidance and advice for most health issues, they will be able to suggest and dispense medicines, you can sometimes find pharmacies inside supermarkets. Your GP is also there to help, if you move house at all make sure you’re registered at the new local GP.
It’s important to keep going to your dentist and not miss appointments, by now you will have had all your adult teeth for a long time, these teeth are permanent and will not regrow, so look after them!
For serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies, call 999 or go to A&E.