Claire Davies built her life around caring for others. She trained as a nurse in Middlesbrough and managed two long-term lung conditions with discipline. She used inhalers and nebulisers. She did daily physio. And each autumn, she booked her flu jab.

Then, in 2022, flu hit her hard.

At first, she expected a rough week and a slow recovery. Instead, her breathing worsened fast. She went into hospital and stayed there for three months. Doctors gave her oxygen and intensive treatment to keep her alive. Even so, her lungs never bounced back. The infection left her with around 30% lung capacity. As a result, she now relies on oxygen day and night.

Eventually, her specialist delivered the news no one wants to hear. Claire needed a double lung transplant to give her a long-term future. She joined the waiting list and rebuilt her working life from home in a desk-based role. Still, every trip outside requires planning, equipment, and stamina.

Because of that experience, Claire now speaks plainly. She believes the flu vaccine saved her life, even though it did not prevent infection. She also urges others, especially anyone with asthma, COPD, or other lung problems, to take flu seriously.

Flu can knock healthy people flat. However, it can devastate vulnerable lungs. So this winter, Claire asks for one small act of protection. Get the jab. Then take sensible precautions in crowded places.