I DIDN’T HAVE ONE — AND IT NEARLY KILLED ME
Helen Watts, 43, a photographic assistant, lives in Pembrokeshire with husband lee, 47, an instrument engineer, and children lauren, 15, and Harri, 12. I’D HAD a flu jab for as long as I can remember because I’m asthmatic. During the winter of 2015 I didn’t get around to it — and it almost cost me my life.
It started with coughing and wheezing and within two days I was struggling to breathe so much so that Lee rushed me to hospital, thinking it was a bad asthma attack. Two days later, my breathing was so laboured I was transferred to intensive care. Blood tests showed I had flu and I was put into isolation.
Over the following week, I drifted in and out of consciousness . I remember coming round at one point and hearing doctors telling Lee my state was ‘critical’ and they were going to ventilate me. I knew that meant putting me in a coma and I was petrified. I don’t know if it was sheer willpower but I managed to regain full consciousness soon after.
After three weeks I was discharged, but for six months I struggled to breathe and it was a year before I could work.
I will never miss a flu jab again.