Reporter Anna back after swine flu nightmare

RECORDER swine flu victim Anna Nalborczyk is back at work after battling through the illness.

The 25-year-old was bedridden for five days last week after developing the symptoms. She returned on Monday - doctor's note in hand - fully recovered.

Anna said: "I can understand why people, especially parents, get really panicky as the symptoms develop and worsen really quickly.

"I was sleeping most of the time and the illness really sapped all of my energy.

"I have had regular flu before, and this didn't feel the same. It was a lot worse."

The senior reporter knew she had contracted the illness after ringing NHS Direct on Monday last week. She complained of a fever, sore throat, dizziness, nausea and a headache - matching the symptoms.

By Wednesday she was feeling a little better, but it wasn't until Thursday that she had something to eat - Marmite on toast.

It appears her brother Matthew has caught the illness. Anna said: "He is really rundown and tired. He didn't shake it off so was given anti-viral drug Tamiflu.

"He is feeling a little better though, thankfully."

Redbridge Council and NHS Redbridge are not keeping a record of victims in the borough after conceding that the illness will become more prevalent.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust is asking victims to steer clear of the A&E departments to avoid infecting others.

The Department of Health (DoH) could order mass vaccinations for residents to fight off any second waves of the illness.