BEST not mention 'man flu' to previously superfit postman Phil Bayley - he's still laid up in hospital almost 11 months after the flu left him at death's door.

Mr Bayley, whose lengthy list of severe setbacks on his road to recovery includes four heart attacks, is advising people to get the flu jab.

Doctors are baffled by his ailments, which started with a sore throat on December 15 last year and have seen him treated in three hospitals, although he hopes to be home soon.

His GP sent him to Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital, where he was sent home to Bridgwater on antibiotics after being diagnosed with flu.

"I woke up that night and couldn't breathe," said Mr Bayley, 51, who is currently recuperating in Dene Barton Community Hospital, Cotford St Luke.

"I was rushed to Musgrove and diagnosed with pneumonia and a serious lung infection.

"There was no oxygen in my blood, so I was put on an eco machine to oxygenate it - it saved my life as I had bleeding on the brain.

"I was taken to London's Royal Brompton Hospital until March.

"They operated to take out most of my colon after discovering the pneumonia had ulcerated my bowel. I was in an induced coma for seven weeks.

"I woke up with a tracheostomy in my throat.

"I had four heart attacks and needed a temporary pacemaker, while they had to drain water from my heart."

He also picked up a hospital-acquired infection, saw his muscles wasting, had to be fed and given drink intravenously and can even now barely use one arm.

He currently uses a wheelchair, although he has started walking short distances.

"I do about 150 yards round the grounds of Dene Barton," said Mr Bayley.

"I need to get my strength up before going home.

"It's frustrating because I love the great outdoors - keeping fit, cycling, camping and festivals.

"I'd walk eight miles a day as a postman. I'd love to go back to work."

Mr Bayley is grateful for support from his family and friends, including colleagues who raised £600 for his girlfriend Suzie to visit him in London.

He added: "Doctors are baffled why this happened to me.

"I've never had the flu jab before, but I'll have one every year now.

"Anyone who doesn't have the jab won't end up like me, but they should consider having it.

"I never thought flu could cause everything I've been through."

Dr Ardiana Gjini, consultant in public health medicine, screening and immunisation lead with PHE South West Centre, said: "Flu isn't like a common cold - it's a serious illness and can be a life-threatening one.

"In the UK an average 600 people a year die from complications of flu, but in some years this can rise to over 10,000 people."

Thousands of Somerset children are vaccinated at school every year, while vulnerable people should book an appointment with their GP.