A 26-year-old man, Joseph Sullivan, is urging vulnerable individuals to get vaccinated against the flu this winter, following his hospitalisation last Christmas due to the illness. Joseph, who has type 1 diabetes, was rushed to the emergency unit at the University Hospital of Wales a week after his brother’s wedding, where his condition deteriorated significantly. The flu weakened his immune system, affected his blood sugar levels, worsened his autoimmune hepatitis, and led to liver problems. Joseph described the experience as the sickest he has ever felt, emphasising the severity of the flu.
After experiencing fever symptoms post-wedding, Joseph’s condition rapidly declined, prompting him to seek medical help. Doctors at the hospital diagnosed him with the flu and provided immediate care. Despite being discharged after 24 hours, Joseph faced ongoing health issues, including weight loss and prolonged illness. Reflecting on his ordeal, he stressed the importance of flu vaccination, underscoring that he would choose a sore arm from the vaccine over facing the flu again.
Public Health Wales is encouraging eligible individuals to receive the flu vaccine this season to prevent hospitalisations like Joseph’s. Last year in Wales, almost 2,000 people were hospitalised due to the flu. Eligible groups for the vaccine include pregnant women, individuals over 65, those living in care homes, caregivers, and frontline healthcare workers. Children aged 2-3 are also eligible for the nasal spray vaccine. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has initiated its flu and Covid-19 vaccination programme to protect the community.