The useful bits
- What medicine he took, how much, and when.
- His temperature each morning and evening.
- New symptoms and when they started.
Why it matters
If he does need a GP or NHS 111, a short list of facts saves guesswork. It also settles arguments about whether he had paracetamol at two or three.
Written notes are more reliable than memory, especially at three in the morning.
A simple log layout
A phone note, a notebook by the bed or a sheet on the fridge is all you need. For each day:
- Morning and evening temperature.
- Medicines taken: name, dose, time.
- Eating and drinking: roughly how much.
- New or worse symptoms.
- How he slept.
What to tell a GP or NHS 111
Have your log to hand when you call.
- How long he has been ill and how it started.
- His highest temperature and when.
- What he has taken, and whether it helped.
- Any other conditions or medicines he is on.
- Anything that has got worse, such as breathing, drinking or confusion.
The other bits
Dramatic quotes, timings of the sighing, the exact words of the last will. Keep them in a separate note, and do not show them to him until he is well.
"Tell the dog I forgive him."
"I think this is the one."
Keeping it going
Make it easy. Set a reminder at breakfast, at teatime and at bedtime. Write down only what you would want to know in a week.
When he is better, keep the log for a few weeks. If anything comes back, you have a record.
Common questions
How detailed should the log be?
Short enough that you will actually keep it. Times, temperatures, medicines and a line on how he is. That is it.
Do I need an app?
No. A note on your phone, a notebook by the bed or a sheet of paper on the fridge works perfectly well.
What about the quotes?
Keep those separate. The medical log is for facts. The quote book is for later, and for you.
A quick recap
- Write down every dose with the time.
- Note the temperature at the same times each day.
- Record new symptoms the moment they appear.
- Keep the log within reach, and out of his.
- Take it with you if you see a GP.
Reality check
Never rely on a log to decide when to get help. If he is struggling to breathe, has chest pain, or is confused, call 999.