Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.1010wins.com/Swine-Flu-Victim-s-Mom-Warns---Take-It-Seriously-/5117466
Posted: Monday, 31 August 2009 1:15PM
Swine Flu Victim's Mom Warns Others to 'Take It Seriously'
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Ryan Johnson, 27, was healthy -- in fact he was a cop in Brooklyn and before that he was an EMT with the Fire Department -- the last person you would ever think would die of swine flu.
Terry Sheridan reports
But in June he came down with the H1N1 virus -- otherwise known as the swine flu. Ryan battled for his life until August 7 when he died from complications caused by the virus. Ryan was the first NYPD officer to die of swine flu.
His mother, Barbara Johnson, says that he did not have typical flu-like symptoms and the he initially went to the hospital because he was experiencing chest pains. It took several days for doctors to diagnose Ryan with swine flu.
Johnson says that she wants people to take the swine flu threat seriously and hopes that her son's story can help others.
"People have to beware that this is not an A-typical flu...they have to take it seriously," she said.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said in a statement that Johnson "fought valiantly over many weeks, often expressing his desire to return to the job."
Kelly visited Ryan frequently, according to his family members.
"He spent his life helping people and if his death can help at least one person...that's all you can hope for," Johnson said.
Posted: Monday, 31 August 2009 1:15PM
Swine Flu Victim's Mom Warns Others to 'Take It Seriously'
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Ryan Johnson, 27, was healthy -- in fact he was a cop in Brooklyn and before that he was an EMT with the Fire Department -- the last person you would ever think would die of swine flu.
Terry Sheridan reports
But in June he came down with the H1N1 virus -- otherwise known as the swine flu. Ryan battled for his life until August 7 when he died from complications caused by the virus. Ryan was the first NYPD officer to die of swine flu.
His mother, Barbara Johnson, says that he did not have typical flu-like symptoms and the he initially went to the hospital because he was experiencing chest pains. It took several days for doctors to diagnose Ryan with swine flu.
Johnson says that she wants people to take the swine flu threat seriously and hopes that her son's story can help others.
"People have to beware that this is not an A-typical flu...they have to take it seriously," she said.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said in a statement that Johnson "fought valiantly over many weeks, often expressing his desire to return to the job."
Kelly visited Ryan frequently, according to his family members.
"He spent his life helping people and if his death can help at least one person...that's all you can hope for," Johnson said.