A fit and healthy dad of three has tragically lost his life to influenza, despite being just 27 years of age.
Quenten Thomas, from Marysville, Tennessee died after experiencing flu complications. Before his untimely death, he suddenly became unwell and went to the hospital multiple times complaining he couldn’t breathe.
Speaking to NBC News, his father, Robert Thomas, said: “It hurt really bad when he coughed, and he was having trouble catching (his) breath.”
Mr Thomas’ family also said he had no medical conditions, which raises questions about why he became so unwell and whether something could’ve been done to prevent his death.
Robert said his son had noticed his oxygen was dropping, so he went to the hospital to request oxygen. However, medical staff sent him home and recommended foot, water and sleep.
But after this failed to help, he returned to the hospital where doctors started to suspect something was wrong after checking his blood oxygen. Quenten was then placed on a ventilator, but sadly he succumbed to the virus on January 6th.
Bad Flu Season
As the temperature has plummeted in what’s been a particularly cold winter in the UK, infections of flu and Covid have been on the rise.
According to experts, the colder weather can exacerbate symptoms of flu, with more complications and subsequent hospitalisations expected. As well as posing an immediate danger to those who are catching the virus, this strain on the health service can also put other patients in danger due to a lack of beds and resources.
This is why anyone who is eligible for a flu vaccine should get jabbed, as it helps not only themselves but also removes pressure from the healthcare system in the unfortunate event they experience complications.
Flu Vaccine
Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective step to avoiding catching influenza. This medication works by teaching the body’s immune system to protect itself against the flu. Once jabbed, this significantly reduces your chances of falling ill or being struck down by severe sickness.
Although the flu jab is effective in protecting you for one flu season, the virus is constantly mutating and new strains are emerging all the time. This is why it’s crucial to have your jab every winter to ensure you’re fully protected.
Steer Clear of Illness
Viruses like the flu are spread from one person to another, so to prevent transmission and stop us from getting sick, we need to avoid close contact with those who are showing symptoms such as coughing or sneezing.
Even those who are asymptomatic, either because symptoms haven’t yet developed or they’re almost fully better, may be contagious. However, it’s next to impossible to know when these people could potentially pass the virus onto you. The best we can do is avoid those who are visibly sick.
Other Ways To Avoid Catching Flu
As well as getting vaccinated, there are a few other steps you can take to help you avoid catching the flu. These include:
Good Hygiene
Maintaining good personal hygiene is one of the best defences against catching viruses like influenza as this helps to shield you from the pathogen.
Regularly washing your hands with soap and water or frequently cleaning them with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser will stop the virus stone dead.
Wear A Mask
By now most of us are keenly aware of how important wearing a mask is for protecting us from viruses.
Viruses like the flu and COVID are spread by droplets that are projected when people cough or sneeze. Masks act as a preventative barrier between you and the virus’s droplets.
Wear a mask when you’re in a crowded public space. And choose one that’s well-fitted and covers both the nose and mouth.
Avoid Touching Face
As well as inhaling droplets, another way flu is transmitted is on surfaces. If those infected with the virus touch a surface, we can pick this up on our hands and infect ourselves by touching our eyes, mouth or nose.
This is why you should always refrain from touching these areas with unwashed hands as it minimises the risk of catching viruses like influenza.
So hopefully this gives you a good idea of the importance of getting vaccinated. As we can see with the case in the US, even young, fit and healthy people can experience complications and even death from the flu.
This merely highlights the importance for those who are at risk of complications or potentially exposed to the virus to get themselves vaccinated as this is the best way to protect themselves.
The Gov.UK website provides a list of those who should be vaccinated. It says you should be immunised if you have any of the following:
- heart problem
- chest complaint or serious breathing issues, including bronchitis, emphysema or some people with asthma
- kidney disease
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment
- liver disease
- Have previously had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack
- diabetes
- A neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
- learning disability
- problem with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or where the spleen has been removed
If you’re wondering where to get your flu vaccination, locating the service at your local pharmacy couldn’t be easier. Here at Newdays Pharmacy, we offer a range of private and NHS services. You can find out more about us on our website and book an appointment with one of our pharmacists in your preferred branch.
Our pharmacy flu vaccinations are quick, easy and will have you immunised in seconds. We provide a walk-in clinic for flu vaccinations. Appointments take between five and ten minutes, with vaccines administered by fully trained and professional health professionals. Call today to book at a time that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a contagious viral infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads through coughs, sneezes and close contact with infected people. Flu can cause severe illness, particularly in older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with certain long-term health conditions.
Flu symptoms usually develop suddenly and can include a high temperature, chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, dry cough, fatigue and loss of appetite. Most people recover within a week, although some may develop complications such as pneumonia.
Yes. The annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce your risk of influenza and its complications. Because flu viruses change each year, vaccination is recommended every flu season, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness.