A UK mother has issued a stark public health warning after she and her young daughter suffered through a severe bout of influenza, describing the illness as 'absolutely evil' and 'no joke'. Her experience comes as the NHS battles what it calls an 'unprecedented flu wave' this winter, with hospital admissions hitting record highs for the season.
'Horrible' Symptoms: A Mother's First-Hand Account
Posting on Reddit, the mum detailed the five severe symptoms that left her and her daughter incapacitated. She described a soaring temperature that reached 40°C and above, accompanied by 'splitting headaches' so bad she couldn't look at light. Other symptoms included violent coughing fits resulting in 'puking sick bowls full of phlegm', intense muscle and bone aches, and a complete loss of appetite where she could only stomach ice lollies.
'This flu is no joke! Both my daughter and I have caught the flu that's been going around and I swear to God it's horrible,' she wrote, urging others to 'Wash your hands, mask up, do whatever you can to avoid this!'
Hospital Dash and Meningitis Scare
Her symptoms became so severe she was 'frightened enough' to seek hospital care. After initially calling NHS 111 and being directed to her GP, she was referred to Accident and Emergency. She claims she waited '12 hours in a chair' to be seen.
'The nurse said my pulse was extremely high, my temp was 40-something... and the photophobic element was making her very twitchy,' the mother recounted. Medical staff were 'initially concerned about possible meningitis' due to the combination of high pulse, fever, and light sensitivity. Although now on the mend, she emphasised the illness was far more serious than a common cold.
NHS Grapples with 'Unprecedented' Winter Crisis
The family's ordeal unfolds against a backdrop of intense pressure on the NHS. Official figures from December 11 show an average of 2,660 patients per day were in hospital with flu – the highest ever for this time of year and a 55% increase on the previous week.
Professor Julian Redhead, National Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, stated: 'Today's numbers confirm our deepest concerns: the health service is bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter. Cases are incredibly high for this time of year and there is no peak in sight yet.'
The situation is compounded by industrial action, with thousands of junior doctors commencing a five-day walkout from December 17 to December 22.
Official Health Advice and Vaccination Plea
In response to the surge, the NHS is strongly urging all eligible individuals to get their flu vaccination to ensure protection ahead of Christmas. Professor Redhead added: 'With just a couple of weeks left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I urge anyone eligible to come forward to get their jab.'
The health service advises the public to:
- Contact NHS 111 online or by phone for non-life-threatening flu symptoms.
- Reserve 999 and A&E for genuine, life-threatening emergencies only.
- Practice good hygiene, including hand washing, to limit the spread.
The mother's harrowing story serves as a potent reminder of the virus's potential severity and the critical importance of taking preventive measures during this intense flu season.
