An unvaccinated dad-of-two who narrowly escaped loss of life as a result of COVID has mentioned he might have purchased into on-line conspiracy theories earlier than falling ailing.

U.Okay. dad Scot Griffiths, 39, first turned unwell in August 2021 after attending a public music occasion.

Just a few days later, Griffiths mentioned he initially started to really feel ailing with a headache and shortly examined optimistic for COVID through a lateral move take a look at. Within the week that adopted, he needed to name an ambulance twice.

"I used to be sweating and simply felt terrible—nevertheless it bought worse and worse," he advised U.Okay. information outlet BirminghamLive.

When Griffiths realized he could not breathe correctly one morning, his spouse took him to hospital the place he was handled with antibiotics and oxygen. Nonetheless, his situation nonetheless didn't enhance.

Griffiths was then moved to intensive care. He mentioned: "I practically died 3 times. One time particularly it was very touch-and-go. The advisor phoned my spouse and mentioned that I would not survive and she or he wanted to return to hospital instantly."

After a change in remedy and a three-week induced coma, Griffiths' situation had improved. He then needed to undergo days of rehabilitation in an effort to assist him stroll once more after his prolonged keep in a hospital mattress, throughout which era he misplaced round 70 kilos.

Griffiths advised BirminghamLive he now feels nearly utterly higher after his battle with COVID pneumonia, although he faces a wrestle with survivor's guilt and noticed folks die within the ICU.

He has now had his first vaccine dose and says that his sickness has additionally spurred numerous his pals to do the identical.

"I am not an anti-vaxxer by any stretch of the creativeness. Did I purchase into among the conspiracies on-line? Perhaps," Griffiths mentioned. "My selection on the time was to attend to have it."

He mentioned: "I used to be by no means ailing, so when folks noticed how poorly I used to be I believe it hit residence."

It isn't the primary case just lately of somebody getting the COVID vaccine after falling ailing with the virus. Earlier this yr, a 26-year-old California girl was launched from a half-year hospital keep as a result of COVID issues. She had initially not had the vaccine as a result of she thought of herself to be wholesome.

Chatting with information outlet ABC 7 after being discharged from hospital she inspired folks her age to get vaccinated.

Likewise a dad-of-three who fell severely ailing with COVID in December 2021 was discharged this month and has since inspired folks to get the vaccine.

In line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, 41.8 p.c of individuals aged 18 or over within the U.S. have been totally vaccinated with a booster dose.

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A inventory photograph reveals a healthcare skilled strolling alongside a hospital hallway. A U.Okay. dad who fell severely ailing with COVID has since had a vaccine.sudok1/Getty