Claire Davies, a 40-year-old resident of Middlesbrough, is advocating for flu vaccinations following her life-threatening battle with the virus. After requiring a double lung transplant due to complications from flu, Davies emphasizes the importance of vaccination as hospital admissions for the virus have quadrupled compared to last year.
Recent statistics reveal that during the week ending on November 20, 2023, an average of 1,717 patients with flu were hospitalized, marking a record high for this time of year. In the North East, the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust reported an average of 26 flu patients, while the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recorded 17.
Davies, who was considered clinically vulnerable due to her history of lung conditions, received the flu vaccine before contracting the virus in 2022. 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.” Despite managing her conditions with inhalers and nebulisers, the flu severely impacted her health, leading to a three-month hospital stay where she was treated with oxygen and medication.
At one point, medical professionals informed Davies that her oxygen levels were critically low, and she faced the possibility of death. “I was so ill I couldn’t even talk. It was terrifying,” she recalled. The flu left her with only 30% lung capacity, requiring her to depend on oxygen continuously after her discharge. She is now on the waiting list for a double lung transplant.
Davies transitioned to a desk-based role in patient experience, as her condition makes it challenging to go out. She emphasizes the risks associated with the flu, particularly for individuals with pre-existing lung conditions. “A lot of people don’t have the flu jab as they think, ‘oh it’s just flu, I’ll be fine,’ but flu can be deadly,” she stressed. “I know I would never have survived it if I hadn’t had the vaccine and would urge everyone to get vaccinated. It’s just not worth the risk.”
The UK Health Security Agency has indicated the emergence of a newly mutated strain of influenza, which could be contributing to the rise in flu cases. Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, noted that flu rates are increasing rapidly, with schools closing and NHS leaders urging individuals with symptoms to wear masks in public. She highlighted the dangers flu poses, particularly for those with respiratory conditions, stating that these individuals are seven times more likely to die from flu compared to healthy people.
Sleet warned, “This year flu will claim thousands of lives in the UK, and we know people with lung conditions are particularly susceptible. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. The vaccine reduces your chance of catching flu and lessens the severity of symptoms.”
Asthma + Lung UK is also advising people with lung conditions to wear masks in crowded or indoor spaces to lower their risk of infection. The charity offers a Winter Wellness Guide to assist individuals in maintaining their health during the winter months.
As flu cases continue to rise, the urgent message from both Claire Davies and health organizations is clear: vaccination is crucial for protection against a virus that can have devastating consequences, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
