Claire Davies, a 40-year-old resident of Middlesbrough, is urging the public to get vaccinated against the flu as hospital admissions for the virus have surged fourfold compared to last year. Davies, who required a double lung transplant after a severe bout of flu, believes her survival was due to receiving the flu vaccine. With the winter months bringing a significant increase in flu cases, her plea highlights the dangers associated with the virus, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Statistics released for the week concluding November 20, 2023, indicate an average of 1,717 flu patients hospitalized, marking a record for this period. Both North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reported a combined average of 43 flu patients over the preceding week. These alarming figures have prompted some hospitals in the North East to reintroduce mask mandates in specific wards to protect vulnerable patients.
As flu rates escalate, Asthma + Lung UK is advising individuals with lung conditions to take additional precautions. Chief Executive Sarah Sleet stated, “Flu rates are soaring as a newly mutated variant is rapidly spreading across the country.” The charity emphasizes that flu can be particularly deadly for those with existing lung conditions, noting that individuals suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are seven times more likely to die from flu than healthy individuals.
Davies, who has been clinically vulnerable since childhood due to diagnoses of bronchiolitis obliterans and severe cystic bronchiectasis, experienced severe symptoms when she contracted the flu in 2022. She spent three months in the hospital receiving oxygen and medication before being informed that a double lung transplant was her only chance of long-term survival. Reflecting on her experience, she stated, “I have no doubt in my mind that if I hadn’t had the vaccine, I wouldn’t be here now. It literally saved my life.”
Her story underscores the potential consequences of flu, especially for those with compromised respiratory health. Davies had previously led a relatively normal life as a nurse, routinely receiving her flu jab each year. Yet, she was unprepared for the severity of her illness when flu struck. “I was struggling to breathe so much that I had to go to hospital,” she recalled.
Upon her discharge, Davies found herself reliant on oxygen support, which has significantly impacted her daily life. Transitioning to a desk-based role from home, she now focuses on patient experience work while grappling with the uncertainty of her health. “It’s terrifying not knowing how long I might have left,” she said, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
As flu continues to pose a serious health threat, Davies urges others to reconsider their stance on the vaccine. “A lot of people don’t have the flu jab as they think, oh it’s just flu, I’ll be fine,” she explained. “But flu can be deadly, especially for those with pre-existing lung conditions like me.”
The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that a newly mutated strain of the influenza virus is contributing to the current outbreak. With schools closing and NHS leaders advocating for mask-wearing in public spaces, the situation places additional pressure on healthcare facilities already facing challenges.
Asthma + Lung UK is not only recommending vaccinations but also encouraging individuals with lung conditions to wear face masks in crowded or confined spaces to reduce their risk of infection. The charity provides a complimentary Winter Wellness Guide to assist individuals in maintaining their health during the colder months.
As flu cases continue to rise, the message from survivors like Claire Davies remains clear: vaccination is a crucial step in protecting oneself from the potentially deadly effects of the virus.
