An Irish footballer has issued a stark warning after he was left unable to breathe following a coronavirus infection.
Lee Duffy, who plays for Northern Irish club Newry City A.F.C., revealed he was forced to spend more than a week in hospital fighting COVID-19.
Duffy added an urgent warning for everyone to ensure they don't take the threat of the deadly bug lightly.
He wrote on Twitter: "As some of you may or may not know, I tested positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago.
"I spent 8 days in hospital hooked up to oxygen as I could no longer breathe on my own, scared not knowing what was going to happen.
"Luckily I got through it and I’m starting to feel a lot better now.
"My advice to everybody is to not take this lightly, it is very serious."
The 28-year-old had previously played for League of Ireland First Division club Drogheda United.
And Drogheda TD Ged Nash said that Duffy's story should serve as a "stark warning" that coronavirus can infect anyone regardless of age.
He said: "Lee is 28. A fit & active player, he played for Drogheda United and is now with Newry.
"A stark warning that #COVID19 doesn’t care how young or old you are. It doesn’t care what shape you’re in.
"Please read and share. Take heed of the expert advice. Do the right things."
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