A twelve-year-old girl, Jessica Williamson, fell into a coma due to severe complications from Influenza A after her initial symptoms were misdiagnosed as a common “school bug.” Her mother, Ashleigh Moore, is now advocating for increased awareness about the potential seriousness of flu, particularly in children.
Jessica, who resides in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, began experiencing symptoms including a headache and vomiting. Initially, both her mother and doctors believed she was suffering from a minor illness typical of school-aged children. However, after her condition deteriorated, she was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, where she was diagnosed with Influenza A. This diagnosis quickly escalated to sepsis and necrotising pneumonia, leading to a three-week stay in intensive care.
Ashleigh shared her harrowing experience, noting the emotional toll of seeing her daughter in an induced coma. “It was heartbreaking to see her like that. There were several moments where we didn’t think she would ever leave the hospital,” she stated. Her experience has prompted her to urge others to take flu seriously and to ensure they are vaccinated.
Recent data from the National Health Service (NHS) highlights a sharp increase in flu cases, with reported instances rising from 1,717 to 2,660 within a week at the start of December 2023. This surge has been attributed to a particularly aggressive strain of the virus, often referred to as the “super flu.”
According to Ashleigh, Jessica was given only a single dose of paracetamol during her first visit to the hospital. In light of her daughter’s rapid decline, she now encourages parents to trust their instincts and seek further medical opinions if they feel something is wrong. “It is scary to think that if we had just gone to bed that night instead of taking her to the hospital again, where would we have been?” she reflected.
In response to the situation, Sean Fenwick, Chief Executive of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, expressed empathy for the family and reiterated the importance of recognizing serious flu symptoms in children. “Flu in children can develop quickly from a stable situation to one which is very serious,” he noted. He urged parents not to hesitate in seeking additional care if they feel their child’s condition has worsened.
As Jessica continues her recovery, Ashleigh remains committed to spreading awareness about the flu and the importance of vaccination. “I’m now urging people to get their flu vaccines,” she emphasized. The NHS is also encouraging everyone eligible to receive their flu vaccination to help prevent severe illness, particularly as flu season intensifies.
This case serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how rapidly flu can escalate into life-threatening conditions. It underscores the necessity for vigilance and prompt action in managing flu symptoms in children, reinforcing the message that flu should not be dismissed lightly.
