In a heartbreaking effort to raise awareness about the importance of flu vaccination, a mother is sharing her story after the loss of her child to flu complications last year. Like many parents, Lisa Thompson struggled to see her daughter, 12-year-old Emma, in distress. When Emma expressed her fear of needles and refused the flu shot, Thompson, not wanting to upset her, chose to let her skip the vaccine.
Unfortunately, Emma contracted the flu. On January 12, 2022, she developed a dangerously high fever, peaking at 105 degrees. Despite multiple visits to the doctor, Emma tragically passed away four days later due to renal failure caused by H1N1-related complications. While Thompson cannot definitively say that the flu shot would have saved her daughter, she believes it could have offered protection.
Now, Thompson is collaborating with the Fight the Flu Foundation to promote flu vaccinations and prevent similar tragedies. “Every day is a struggle,” she shared with CBS. “All that remains are memories, and an urn on the mantel.” As part of her advocacy, Thompson has created informative brochures and knitted over 700 hats for infants, encouraging parents to vaccinate their children starting at six months, as recommended by the CDC. “I want to honor Emma’s memory,” she stated. “My mission is to be her voice.”
While the flu is not deadly for every child, it can cause severe symptoms, including fever, chills, vomiting, and body aches. Getting a flu shot can significantly reduce the risk of serious illness. A CDC study revealed that flu vaccination reduced the likelihood of flu-related pediatric intensive care unit admissions by 74% during the 2010-2012 flu seasons.
It is essential to understand that the flu vaccine is not 100% effective. The CDC indicates that the vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness by approximately 50% to 60% among the general population during seasons when circulating flu viruses closely match vaccine strains. Parents may hesitate to administer a shot with only a 50-60% success rate, especially with a fearful child. However, the minimal discomfort from the vaccine is a small price to pay for potentially preventing serious illness.
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In summary, the story of Lisa Thompson serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of flu vaccinations. By sharing her experience, she hopes to encourage other parents to prioritize their children’s health and ensure they are protected against flu and its potential complications.
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