My Life with Flu 

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Hannah Daniel

Ronan Summers

Liam Williams

John Norton

Eirlys Bellin

Eiry Thomas

Sarah Woods

James Robinson

15 Minute Drama: My Life with Flu: Episode 1

My Life with Flu

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - 15 Minute Drama, My Life with Flu, Episode 1

1969: Jill and David's relationship is derailed by the outbreak of Hong Kong Flu.

January 1969:  Jill and David's fledgling union is tested when he contracts a new strain of Hong Kong flu. Stars Ronan Summers.

By Sarah Woods
 
A love story, about flu.
 
It's January 1969, the winter after the summer of love, and Jill and David's fledgling relationship is about to be put to test by the outbreak of Hong Kong Flu.
 
My Life with Flu has been produced in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. In five episodes it follows the story of Jill across five decades as she struggles with the highs and lows of life, love and viral infection. At the same time the story tracks the life of Hong Kong Flu – how, over 45 years, it has traversed the globe, evolved and is ultimately being superseded by new, more virulent strains, such as Swine Flu.
 
Using cutting edge science – of transmission, viral evolution and genetic predisposition – it tells the story of flu, and investigates the unique qualities of Jill's genome which make her a 'severe responder'. Paul Kellam, Virus Genomics team leader at the Sanger Institute worked closely with writer Sarah Woods to weave the science seamlessly into the story. The drama underlines the deep connection human beings have to the viruses that survive through us, and how illness can shape the course of our lives.
 
Jill.... Hannah Daniel
David.... Ronan Summers
John.... Liam Williams
Doctor.... John Norton
Protestor.... Eirlys Bellin
Narrator.... Eiry Thomas
 
Directed by James Robinson
A BBC Cymru/Wales Production

15 Minute Drama: My Life with Flu

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

By Sarah Woods. Jill's story is told across five decades. A love story - about flu.

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