A BANGOR man who was hospitalised after contracting swine flu is fighting his way towards recovery.
Anthony Barnes, 25, told Chronicle readers of his experience of living with the virus two weeks ago, and has since been rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd after suffering from secondary infection.
After completing a course of Tamiflu, Mr Barnes, a manual labourer, collapsed with breathing difficulties last Wednesday, with blood tests indicating severe bronchitis.
He said: “I’ve been pretty rough, I think the swine flu has battered my immune system quite badly and given other infections a chance to come in.
“I’ve had a bit of congestion and difficulty breathing, and have been treated with steroids and inhalers.”
His partner Lucy Northage, 20, who also suffered from swine flu, added: “It’s been really up and down, Anthony gradually got better before getting all congested again then got really out of breath and couldn’t breathe, it was really horrible.”
Since being diagnosed with the virus, the couple have both been treated with Tamiflu and advised to stay in confinement at home.
Lucy, who is now clear of the symptoms, added: “I just felt totally run down with bad congestion and my head felt like it was going to explode. It’s ten times worse than normal flu.”
Health chiefs across the UK are still urging anyone exhibiting swine flu symptoms to stay at home, and not go to their GP, the out of hours service or the hospital accident and emergency, as they risk spreading the illness.
You can check your symptoms by calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1513 513, and if concerns persist, call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647.