A cyclist from Cardiff who was hospitalised with severe flu is urging others to have their flu jab.
Kevin Rahman-Daultrey, 29, was taken to hospital by ambulance in February after
suddenly experiencing vomiting, fever and aches. He had cycled 50 miles the day
before.
During the day, Kevin had become drowsy and sensitive to bright lights. When he
became unresponsive, his wife rang NHS Direct Wales and he was taken to
University Hospital Llandough, where he underwent tests to rule out meningitis.
Kevin, from Riverside, said: “It came on so suddenly. I’d always thought that flu was something that you gradually got worse with, not something that just punched you in the face.”
Although Kevin is eligible for the free flu vaccine due to a pre-existing condition, he did not have the jab last winter, as work commitments prevented him from making an appointment with his GP.
People with serious long-term illnesses including diabetes, respiratory and liver
conditions are eligible for the free jab at their GP practice and at most local
pharmacies.
Kevin said: “My daughters and my wife had their flu jab. Every year I normally get it
and this year I didn’t, and this is the year I get flu of course. But none of my family got sick.
“You think of flu as being this really minor thing, but actually it’s quite severe and
serious. It was really nasty flu.”
Dr Tom Porter, Consultant in Public Health at Cardiff and Vale Public Health team, is encouraging people with long-term conditions to get their free jab this year.
Dr Porter said: “Influenza can be a very serious condition and unfortunately people in the UK die every year from flu. The flu vaccine is a quick and easy way to help
protect yourself and prevent passing it onto family and friends.
“Many of our local pharmacies now offer free flu vaccinations for eligible people without an appointment, so you may find it easier if you’re unable to visit your GP.”
After staying in hospital overnight for observation and spending 12 hours on a drip,
Kevin was allowed to go home. However he was unable to return to work at cycling
charity Pedal Power for another two weeks, as he was still weak and unable to eat.
Kevin is keen not to experience flu again this winter. He said: “This year I’ll definitely make sure I’ve got the flu jab. I didn’t know I could get it at a pharmacy, but it’s something I will definitely be looking into.”
Pregnant women, anyone aged 65 and over, preschool children aged over two and
primary school children in reception years one and two are also eligible for the free
vaccine.
To get your flu vaccine, contact your GP or visit a participating pharmacy
