Claire Davies, 40, is urging people to get their flu vaccine as hospital admissions for the virus quadruple compared to last year
Naomi Corrigan Multi-media Journalist
08:30, 13 Dec 2025
Claire had to leave her job as a nurse at South Tees (Image: Handouts)
A woman who needed a double lung transplant following a bout of flu has issued a grave warning as virus rates continue to escalate this winter. Middlesbrough resident Claire Davies is convinced that her survival can be attributed to receiving the flu jab.
She is now encouraging others, particularly those most at risk, to ensure they get their vaccinations. This comes as statistics reveal a fourfold increase in hospital admissions for flu compared to the same time last year.
Staff at some North East hospitals will be reintroducing masks in several wards to protect “the most vulnerable patients”. Asthma + Lung UK, a charity, is also advising individuals with lung conditions to take additional precautions.
Claire, aged 40, was considered clinically vulnerable when she contracted the flu in 2022. She stated: “I have no doubt in my mind that if I hadn’t had the vaccine I wouldn’t be here now. It literally saved my life.”
In her younger years, she was diagnosed with two lung conditions – bronchiolitis obliterans and severe cystic bronchiectasis. Despite using inhalers and nebulisers, and undergoing physiotherapy twice daily, she managed to lead a relatively normal life, reports Teesside Live.
“As an adult, I got a job as a nurse and loved it,” she said. “I made sure I had my flu jab every year as I was vulnerable to viruses, but could always manage at home with medication if I got a cough or cold. Then, in 2022, I was struck down with flu and it completely floored me. I was struggling to breathe so much that I had to go to hospital and ended up there for three months on oxygen and medication to help keep me alive.”
At one point doctors told Claire there was nothing more they could do. Her oxygen levels were so low she was at risk of dying. “I was so ill I couldn’t even talk. It was terrifying,” she said.
Claire now needs to be on oxygen permanently(Image: Handouts)
The flu wreaked such havoc on her lungs that she was left with a just 30% capacity. This meant that by the time she was fit enough to be discharged from hospital, Claire found herself dependent on oxygen around the clock.
“The specialist told me I was very ill and the only chance I had of surviving long term was a double lung transplant, so I am now on the waiting list for one,” she said. “My life has changed completely.”
The former nurse has since transitioned to a desk-based role from home, focusing on patient experience work. “It’s difficult for me to go out, as I have to carry oxygen with me wherever I go,” she said.
“It’s terrifying not knowing how long I might have left, but all I can do is hope that a donor is found in time. A lot of people don’t have the flu jab as they think, oh it’s just flu, I’ll be fine,’ but flu can be deadly, especially for those with pre-existing lung conditions like me. I know I would never have survived it I hadn’t have had the vaccine and would urge everyone to get vaccinated. It’s just not worth the risk.”
Statistics for the week concluding 20 November revealed an average of 1,717 hospitalised flu patients, setting a new record for this period of the year. In Teesside, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust reported an average of 26 flu patients over the preceding seven days, while South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recorded an average of 17.
Claire Davis was left seriously ill from flu(Image: Handouts)
The UK Health Security Agency has indicated that a newly mutated strain of influenza has been circulating, potentially accounting for many of the current flu cases. Sarah Sleet, CEO at Asthma + Lung UK, stated: “Flu rates are soaring as a newly-mutated variant is rapidly spreading across the country.
“Schools have had to close, NHS leaders are calling on people with symptoms to wear a mask in public places, and today’s figures show the virus is already driving serious pressure on crowded emergency departments and packed hospital wards. For many of us, flu can leave us bed-bound for days, but for people with pre-existing lung conditions, it can mean being blue-lighted to AandE.
“This year flu will claim thousands of lives in the UK, and we know people with lung conditions are particularly susceptible. Studies have shown people with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are seven times more likely to die from flu compared to healthy individuals.
“The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. The vaccine not only reduces your chance of catching flu, but also the severity of symptoms.”
Asthma + Lung UK is also encouraging those with lung conditions to contemplate wearing a face mask in crowded or indoor spaces to minimise their risk of contracting the virus. The charity offers a complimentary Winter Wellness Guide to assist individuals in maintaining good health this winter – sign up here.