A love story, about flu.

Over five episodes we follow 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tracks the life of Hong Kong Flu – how, over 45 years, it has traversed the globe, evolved and is ultimately being superseded by new, more virulent strains, such as Swine Flu.

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.

Episode 1 – 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.

Episode 2 – It’s 1975, six years since Jill and David huddled under the blankets together, full of flu. Now Jill is preparing to marry John – the wedding preparations are in full swing, but then David arrives on the doorstep.

Episode 3 – 1986, New York – Jill and David embark upon an illicit affair. And as she travels home for Christmas Jill has a life changing decision to make. But inside her body, Hong Kong Flu is travelling with her.

Episode 4 – It’s the year 2000 and Jill’s lungs bear the scars of the bacterial pneumonia she suffered fourteen years ago. The doctor urges her to have the flu jab, but Jill has other things on her mind – her daughter Polly is preparing to leave for University, and Jill has the urge to phone an old friend.

Episode 5 – It’s October 2014 and Jill is now 71. When she runs into an old familiar face at the chemists, she has one last shot at happiness. But the flu has other ideas.