WHILE people may thing that a case of the flu is simply grounds for a couple of days off work, the harrowing story of Ivie Boulton shows just how terrifying a simple illness could really be.

It highlights an ever increasing need for parents to make sure their children have the flu jab, as well as adults to keep themselves fit, healthy and immunised.

With an exhausted and over-subscribed NHS constantly appealing for people to use the right services and take precautions with their health, having the jab could have more than just personal health benefits across the country.

This winter has been reasonably mild in the South West compared to recent years, which – contrary to popular belief – probably has a better chance of making you ill.

Your immune system will still be lowered from the colder temperatures, but they won’t be low enough to kill off all the germs that get passed around to make people ill.

Ivie’s case may only have a one-in-thousands chance of happening to you, but it is better to be safe than sorry.