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http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=121124&catid=14
Family of first Kent County H1N1 fatality speaks out
Amy Fox Kaitlin Urka Updated:5/3/2010 7:42:59 AM - Posted: 5/2/2010 10:49:20 PM Comments (19) Recommend (1)
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KENTWOOD, Mich. (WZZM) - It was about a year ago that the swine flu, or H1N1 first grabbed our attention, and took nearly three thousand lives across the United State. One year later, relatives of a West Michigan victim of the virus are speaking out, hoping others will protect their own health.
Spring is not normally a time you think about the flu, but the danger is still there. Cynthia Luke's family wants to remind people to stay vigilant against H1N1.
Rachael Luke lost her mother quickly and shockingly, to H1N1. Cynthia Luke, or Cindy, was the first person in Kent County to die from the H1N1 flu in October 2009.
Rachael Luke recalls, "She got a cold and I brought her into the hospital. And she was beginning to get better. ... A matter of a day. She was doing excellent, and the next day she was gone."
Cindy was a smoker, and had underlying conditions like asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. But, she was only 52 years old, too young to leave her five children and many grandchildren. Rachael Luke says, "It's a traumatizing thing to lose a mom at such a young age. I can't call my mom when my baby crawls or starts walking."
Rachael lived with her mother, but moved out of their home because the memories there were too strong.
H1N1 has changed this family's life. They got their H1N1 and seasonal flu shots. Rachael Luke says, "I have Purell hand sanitizer on every stand in my house. I have it in my car. My three kids have it in their bags." Rachael has also started exercising daily and lost weight since her mother's death. She is taking her own health more seriously.
Even though it's not the height of flu season, Luke has a warning. She says, "Everybody just thinks it's a regular flu. But, it can take your life. ... I want people to remember. It is there. It is dangerous. And it can kill you."
The Centers for Disease Control reports more than 2,700 people in the United States have died of H1N1 flu since April 2009.
Family of first Kent County H1N1 fatality speaks out
Amy Fox Kaitlin Urka Updated:5/3/2010 7:42:59 AM - Posted: 5/2/2010 10:49:20 PM Comments (19) Recommend (1)
PrintEmailLargerSmaller
KENTWOOD, Mich. (WZZM) - It was about a year ago that the swine flu, or H1N1 first grabbed our attention, and took nearly three thousand lives across the United State. One year later, relatives of a West Michigan victim of the virus are speaking out, hoping others will protect their own health.
Spring is not normally a time you think about the flu, but the danger is still there. Cynthia Luke's family wants to remind people to stay vigilant against H1N1.
Rachael Luke lost her mother quickly and shockingly, to H1N1. Cynthia Luke, or Cindy, was the first person in Kent County to die from the H1N1 flu in October 2009.
Rachael Luke recalls, "She got a cold and I brought her into the hospital. And she was beginning to get better. ... A matter of a day. She was doing excellent, and the next day she was gone."
Cindy was a smoker, and had underlying conditions like asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. But, she was only 52 years old, too young to leave her five children and many grandchildren. Rachael Luke says, "It's a traumatizing thing to lose a mom at such a young age. I can't call my mom when my baby crawls or starts walking."
Rachael lived with her mother, but moved out of their home because the memories there were too strong.
H1N1 has changed this family's life. They got their H1N1 and seasonal flu shots. Rachael Luke says, "I have Purell hand sanitizer on every stand in my house. I have it in my car. My three kids have it in their bags." Rachael has also started exercising daily and lost weight since her mother's death. She is taking her own health more seriously.
Even though it's not the height of flu season, Luke has a warning. She says, "Everybody just thinks it's a regular flu. But, it can take your life. ... I want people to remember. It is there. It is dangerous. And it can kill you."
The Centers for Disease Control reports more than 2,700 people in the United States have died of H1N1 flu since April 2009.