Flu cases are increasing rapidly in the community with 59 people admitted to hospital with Flu in Northern Ireland over the last seven days
South Eastern Trust Emergency Department Nurse, Sara Finlay described being struck down with Flu as the, “Sickest I have ever been.”
The 35-year-old had planned to get her Flu jab before she started experiencing symptoms which floored her and resulted in a recovery period of five weeks.
Sara explained just how ill she became with the virus. “I had planned to get the Flu vaccination this year, but I came down with Flu before I even had the chance to get it. I became really unwell, it was probably the worst head cold and Flu like symptoms I have ever had.”
Sara recalled how her symptoms started with a severe headache, “A tickly throat which developed into becoming particularly painful to swallow and general fatigue and body aches. I was in bed for three days.
“I have two children and my son is asthmatic and I was very concerned about passing anything onto him.”
Sara stressed how she would advise those who are eligible for their Flu vaccination to take it. “Without my experience and background as a Nurse, I would have attended hospital as my symptoms really knocked me off my feet. I was not able to do anything at home and I could not come into work.
“We have so many people attending hospital, from the young, elderly, vulnerable and immunosuppressed. I thought I should be doing my part too and limit their exposure to the Flu by getting the vaccination.”
“I was fit and healthy before I came down with the Flu. I did bounce back eventually, but had I not been so fit and healthy, I do not know how things would have turned out.”
Flu vaccinations are available to the groups below and at the following locations:
1. All Health and Social Care staff
2 Anyone aged 65 and over
3. People in clinical risk groups aged six months – 64 years
4. Pregnant women
5. High risk poultry and avian animal health workers
6. Close contacts of immunocompromised people
7. Carers