Man paralysed within 15 minutes after suffering Flu

A South African man, Tinus Greyling, has shared his shocking experience after becoming paralysed shortly after battling a severe flu.

Tinus revealed that he had been dealing with flu symptoms for about two weeks before his condition worsened, forcing him to seek medical attention. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with a severe fever.

Despite receiving treatment, his condition took a sudden turn. He later became paralysed from the chest down and lost control of his bladder and bowels, in what doctors believe was a rare complication triggered by the flu.

Speaking about the experience, he said:
“It was a shock

“Before this I was living full throttle.

“Megan and I had plans to start a new chapter in Ireland, to be closer to family living there.

“I was active and independent.”

“It was the worst fever I’ve experienced.

“My muscles were sore – whether I sat or stood I was in pain.”

As his symptoms worsened, Tinus said he initially suspected other illnesses such as tick-bite fever or COVID-19. He later visited another doctor, who prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

However, just hours later, he began experiencing pain in his right hip and knew something was seriously wrong.

He explained: “I needed to get to hospital.”

According to him, when he stood up, he felt a sudden weakness in his legs, and within 15 minutes, he became paralysed.

By the next morning, he had lost movement from the chest down. Doctors carried out several tests to check for infections and autoimmune conditions.

Tinus later revealed that he had contracted influenza A, which triggered an autoimmune reaction.

“My body thought it had to fight against it.

“My spine then swelled and compressed the vertebrae,” he said.

Doctors reportedly informed him that his condition may be permanent, though they could not say for certain if he would walk again.

“I think they just didn’t want to give me false hope,” he added.

His wife, Meghan, also spoke about the emotional toll, saying: “I prayed until my knees were raw.

“I thought I was going to lose my husband.”

Tinus spent six weeks in a rehabilitation hospital undergoing physiotherapy and occupational therapy. During that time, he had to relearn basic daily activities such as dressing, brushing his teeth, and using a wheelchair.

Despite everything, he remains hopeful.

“I choose to stay positive, especially for the people around me.

“Because I can see how hard it is for them too.”

He added:
“I can still use my arms and hands.

“Yes, I can’t walk, but I’m alive.”

His wife also expressed her disbelief at how the illness progressed so quickly:
“How could flu cause this?

“I was sick too but here I am now, healthy.”

While Tinus continues to adapt to his new reality, the cost of ongoing treatment—including therapy, medication, and other medical needs—has become a challenge. A colleague has since started a fundraiser to support him.

Still, he remains determined and hopeful about the future.

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