X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become A Contributor
  • VIP

A perfectly healthy five-year-old was killed by deadly flu

3 min read
A perfectly healthy five-year-old was killed by deadly flu

Swine flu, the common name for the H1N1 virus, became the center of a worldwide pandemic in 2009, killing at least 18,500 people in 214 countries

The parents of this five-year-old described their son as someone who was “never sick a day in his short life.” But when their son contracted the swine flu, the effects were devastating, and fast.

He was initially treated by a GP before being referred to Sligo Regional Hospital and transferred to Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin, Dublin. Doctors rushed him to intensive care but his condition deteriorated and he passed away with his family by his bedside.

A pediatrician in Temple Street children's hospital confirmed they have been seeing a rise in children suffering flu since January, including youngsters who are not in an at-risk group and are healthy.

"Some children have become extremely unwell with it," he added.

Swine flu, the common name for the H1N1 virus, became the center of a worldwide pandemic in 2009, killing at least 18,500 people in 214 countries. Now it is possible to reduce the risk of contracting the illness by getting a winter vaccine.

Doctors also suggest to parents that if they want reassurance, they could get the vaccine for children over six months who are healthy.

However if the child has preexisting conditions like bronchitis or heart disease, a vaccine is a must.

Partner Stories
4 Good Toilet Hygiene Habits for Kids to Have Early in Life
4 Good Toilet Hygiene Habits for Kids to Have Early in Life
Flu in Singapore: Is Your Family Protected?
Flu in Singapore: Is Your Family Protected?
6 Top Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash
6 Top Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash
Experiencing Mood Swings, Irregular Periods and Weight Gain Among Other Things? Here’s What You Need to Know About Hormonal Imbalance
Experiencing Mood Swings, Irregular Periods and Weight Gain Among Other Things? Here’s What You Need to Know About Hormonal Imbalance

Swine flu symptoms

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to other strains of the condition and include:

  • A sudden fever—a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
  • Tiredness
  • Aching muscles or joint pain
  • A headache
  • A runny or blocked nose
  • A dry cough

Call your GP if you have flu-like symptoms and are at a higher risk of complications of seasonal flu. This includes:

  • Children under two years old
  • Anyone over the age of 65
  • Pregnant women
  • Children and adults with an underlying health condition (particularly long-term heart or respiratory disease)
  • Children and adults with weakened immune systems
  • To reduce risk wash hands regularly with soap and warm water
  • Clean surfaces such as your keyboard, telephone and door handles regularly to get rid of germs
  • Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
  • The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches.
  • If further treatment is needed or complications arise, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. 

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

James Martinez

  • Home
  • /
  • Health
  • /
  • A perfectly healthy five-year-old was killed by deadly flu
Share:
  • First Swine Flu Death in Singapore Reported After Outbreak In May

    First Swine Flu Death in Singapore Reported After Outbreak In May

  • Five-year-old dies after "catching a cold"

    Five-year-old dies after "catching a cold"

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • First Swine Flu Death in Singapore Reported After Outbreak In May

    First Swine Flu Death in Singapore Reported After Outbreak In May

  • Five-year-old dies after "catching a cold"

    Five-year-old dies after "catching a cold"

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates on baby care and health.