IF you are feeling under the weather and are over 60 get help as soon as possible urge doctors and health workers across Dorset.

This is especially important during winter. Senior clinicians have been concerned over the rising number of older people who are admitted to hospital because of respiratory or other chronic conditions which are usually worsened by immobility, the cold and viral illnesses.

Stuart Ward, Medical Director for the Wessex Area Team said: “Colder weather will make more people feel poorly. But it is important that people in high risk groups such as older, frailer people get help early to nip health problems in the bud.

“We see in our hospitals many people in these groups who have not had or sought the help they need early enough which can lead to an unnecessary stay in hospital.”

He said people should seek help sooner rather than later by talking to their carer or by consulting a pharmacist or GP.