Imogen Thomas was treated by paramedics after she was unable to breathe in a terrifying health scare.

The former Big Brother star, 41, revealed she had contracted a ‘ᴅᴇᴀᴅly’ viral infection that has left her ‘coughing up blood’.

The TV personality, who gained fame on the reality series in 2006, also said she had been unable to eat for six days because of the severe illness.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Imogen gave her followers an update, confirming that she was on day six of being confined to bed rest.

She said: ‘Day 6 in bed. For those mocking the flu this case has been all over the news of how savage it is.

‘I couldn’t breathe so I called my doctor and he called the paramedics.

Imogen Thomas was treated by paramedics after she was unable to breathe in a terrifying health scare 

The former Big Brother star, 41, revealed that she had contracted a ‘ᴅᴇᴀᴅly’ viral infection that has left her ‘coughing up blood’

Imogen showed off a bouquet of flowers she got from friends after the health scare 

‘Drastic I know but I’m so grateful he did because this viral infection has been ᴅᴇᴀᴅly and scary.

‘Today I’m coughing small amounts of blood. I’m ᴀssuming it’s from straining as the cough has been continuous.

‘It’s been so painful but I feel grateful it’s happened now and not Christmas when my mum is with me who is vulnerable.’

She continued: ‘I woke up not shaking today so I’m praying this is the start of recovery.

‘I will try and eat today too it’s been impossible to keep anything down for 6 days!’

The TV star also revealed that the illness had spread to her children, though they were not as badly affected as her and hadn’t experienced the same level of worry or danger.

She finished the post by writing: ‘My girls have also had it but not as bad as me so u can imagine my household.

‘Pray for me for a speedy recovery so I can enjoy my time with my family.’

It comes after Imogen confessed she cries herself to sleep worrying about her mother Janet, 64, more than a year after her motor neurone disease diagnosis

It comes after Imogen confessed she cries herself to sleep worrying about her mother Janet, 64, more than a year after her motor neurone disease diagnosis.

She said the diagnosis had been a ‘huge game-changer’ and explained she is now focusing on caring for her.

Imogen and her sister have been caring for her mother for more than a year following her MND diagnosis but revealed that it has been difficult for her.

She said: ‘When you have someone so close to you diagnosed with MND it’s a mᴀssive game-changer.’

‘It’s a really awful inhumane disease and we know what’s to come which is painful every day.’

‘It’s heartbreaking and I feel robbed. I’ve already lost my Dad but then for her to be diagnosed with a terminal illness, that’s just it.’

‘It’s a big life change. I don’t want to sit here and moan about it. They’re your parents and you love them so you just get on with it but it has been a challenge.’ she said.

Imogen revealed her mother’s diagnosis on Instagram nine months ago in a heartbreaking post.

Imogen revealed her mother’s diagnosis on Instagram nine months ago in a heartbreaking post

She claimed she wanted to share her mother’s diagnosis publicly after watching Coronation Street’s emotional new storyline

Sharing a montage of clips and snaps documenting Janet’s battle with MND, Imogen said she decided to share it publicly after watching Coronation Street’s emotional new storyline, which has seen Paul Foreman diagnosed himself.

WHAT IS MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE?

Motor neurone disease is a rare condition that mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages.

It’s caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. These cells gradually stop working over time. It’s not known why this happens.

Having a close relative with motor neurone disease, or a related condition called frontotemporal dementia, can sometimes mean you’re more likely to get it. But it doesn’t run in families in most cases.

Early symptoms can include weakness in your ankle or leg, like finding it hard to walk upstairs; slurred speech, finding it hard to swallow, a weak grip, and gradual weight loss.

If you have these symptoms, you should see a GP. They will consider other possible conditions and can refer you to a specialist called a neurologist if necessary.

If a close relative has motor neurone disease or frontotemporal dementia and you’re worried you may be at risk of it, they may refer you to a genetic counsellor to talk about your risk and any tests you can have.

Source: NHS UK 

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In the post from January 4, Imogen wrote: ‘There is no easy way to say this. Six months ago- Our mum was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).’

‘For those who are not aware of MND, it’s an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves.’

‘It causes weakness that gets worse over time. It’s rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that affects six people in the UK every single day. The worst part is there’s no cure.’

‘It’s been a journey we never expected and hoped it would never be.’

Imogen added that by sharing Janet’s diagnosis she is hoping she can raise awareness of MND, and help her mother to connect with others ‘who understand what she is going through’.

‘The Wednesday’s Coronation Street storyline featuring Paul and Billy struck a chord we never expected,’ she wrote.

‘It felt like watching our own emotional rollercoaster, the ups and downs of trying to pin down what’s going on.’

‘Can you believe we went through three misdiagnoses? Spent a fortune in Harley Street to be told anything but MND.’

‘We even sent my mum to rehab in Leeds for a month believing she would make a miraculous recovery as she was told she had FND [Functional Neurologic Disorders] which is a neurological disorder. Looking back now her determination during rehab was incredible.’

‘My sister and I are heartbroken and still in disbelief. It’s hard to wrap our heads around. We just don’t want to believe it.’

‘My mum has some great friends. We would love to connect with others in the same situation to share experiences and support each other.’

‘Life is short and precious. We are grabbing it with both hands for as long as we can ❤️.’

‘As I said above my mum and I would love to connect with anyone experiencing the same as us.’

Motor neurone disease is a rare condition that mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages.

It’s caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. These cells gradually stop working over time. It’s not known why this happens.

If, like Imogen’s mum, you’re living with Motor Neurone Disease or know someone who is, and would like more information about the grants and wider support available – or to donate to the charity – please head to www.challengingmnd.org.