Father in Coma for 16 Days After Misdiagnosed Flu Scare

A 42-year-old father from Sutton-in-Ashfield, England, was placed in a coma for 16 days after what he initially thought was a severe cold turned out to be a life-threatening case of influenza. Aaron Clark’s health rapidly deteriorated, leading to multi-organ failure and his admission to Kings Mill Hospital.

Clark, a garage owner and father of three, experienced cold-like symptoms in December 2022. He initially thought he was suffering from a bad cold, resting at home before seeking medical help. Within four days, his condition worsened dramatically, prompting an emergency ambulance trip to the hospital.

Upon arrival, medical staff discovered that Clark’s blood oxygen levels were alarmingly low at just 72 percent, far below the normal range of 95 to 100 percent. He described the alarming shift, stating, “Within a few hours I went from thinking I had a nasty cold to being in an induced coma and on a ventilator in intensive care.”

Clark was unvaccinated against the flu, which contributed to the severity of his illness. He required a ventilator for breathing support and dialysis for his kidneys, which had begun to fail. His recovery was closely monitored by a dedicated medical team, including ward leader Phaedra Kay, who noted the serious nature of his condition upon admission. “Aaron had multi-organ failure when he came to us and was very seriously ill,” Kay said. “He developed a very serious type of flu, which can be extremely life-threatening for some patients.”

After two weeks in a medically induced coma, Clark awoke to the news that he had come dangerously close to death. One of the first comments he recalls hearing from a doctor was, “Well done, we don’t have many people come back from as far as you did.”

Reflecting on his experience, Clark expressed shock at how quickly his health had declined. He had not faced serious illness in years, stating, “I’d never had the flu before— in fact, I’d barely even had a cold and hadn’t needed to visit my GP since 2017.” His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential severity of influenza, especially for those who are unvaccinated.

Medical professionals stress the importance of vaccination, particularly for vulnerable populations. Dr. Mark Roberts, a respiratory consultant, highlighted that while influenza is often mild for many, it can lead to severe illness and even be life-threatening. “Having the vaccine often reduces symptoms if you are affected by the virus,” he stated. “The vaccine is very effective at preventing the spread of the virus within the community.”

In light of his near-fatal experience, Clark has pledged to receive his first flu vaccination and encourages others to follow suit. “It shocked a lot of my family, friends, and colleagues when they heard that flu was the reason I’d been so unwell and out of action for four months,” he said.

Flu vaccines are available for free to those most at risk, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health conditions. Vaccines can be obtained at hospitals, community pharmacies, and through school vaccination programs. The case of Aaron Clark underscores the critical importance of immunization and prompt medical attention in the face of seemingly mild illnesses.