KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The mother of Johnson County's first H1N1 victim says she has a message for all families.
June Henderson warns adults not to ignore their flu like symptoms, no matter how healthy they are.
Henderson's 30-year-old, healthy daughter, Lakeesha, died on Sept. 24, less than a month after she contracted the virus.
She says her daughter only had a cough and congestion in her chest when she was admitted to the hospital.
Four days later, she says Lakeesha was not able to breath on her own.
Henderson says, "I didn't know what to do they told me the machine was breathing for her...I miss my daughter."
Health experts say H1N1 flu symptoms can be deceiving because they are nearly identical to other seasonal flu viruses.
The state of Kansas has confirmed 14 H1N1 deaths this flu season.
If you'd like to help June Henderson pay for her daughter's funeral expenses, you can send donations to any Brotherhood Bank, care of Lakeesha Henderson.
When should I see a medical provider right away?
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, go to an emergency room or urgent care center.
For children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color (call 9-1-1 immediately)
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
For adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
SOURCE: KDHE
