A 26-year-old man from Wales is issuing a urgent warning to those who are more vulnerable to ensure they are vaccinated against the flu this winter, after it landed him in hospital during Christmas last year. Joseph Sullivan, a type 1 diabetic, found himself in the emergency unit at the University Hospital of Wales when his condition rapidly deteriorated a week after his brother’s wedding. The flu compromised his immune system, affected his blood sugar levels, exacerbated his autoimmune hepatitis, and caused liver problems, leading to a 24-hour hospital stay. Joseph described the experience as the worst illness he had ever faced, emphasising the severity of the flu.
The young man had initially started feeling unwell shortly after his brother’s wedding, experiencing common fever symptoms like headaches, temperature fluctuations, and overall discomfort. Despite a slight improvement mid-week, his condition drastically worsened by Friday. Unable to bear the illness any longer, Joseph asked his parents to take him to the hospital, where tests confirmed the flu virus. Medical professionals treated his case with utmost seriousness, noting his visibly unwell appearance, which prompted immediate attention. Joseph’s health was closely monitored in the emergency unit, where he received intravenous fluids to aid his recovery.
Even after being discharged from the hospital the following day, Joseph continued to suffer from the effects of the flu for several weeks. The illness caused him to lose a significant amount of weight and rendered him bedridden on Christmas Day. Reflecting on his ordeal, Joseph strongly advocates for getting the flu vaccine to avoid a similar experience in the future. Public Health Wales is urging those eligible for the flu jab, including pregnant women, individuals aged 65 and over, carers, frontline workers, and more, to consider getting vaccinated this season.
In Wales alone, nearly 2,000 people were hospitalised due to flu-related complications last year, highlighting the importance of vaccination. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has launched its flu and Covid-19 vaccination programme for the autumn season, offering accessible options for those in the health board area. The nasal spray vaccine is also available for children aged two and three, aiming to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the impact of flu on healthcare systems. Joseph’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity of the flu and the necessity of preventative measures to safeguard public health during the upcoming winter months.