You have arrived at the Families Fighting Flu Guestbook, with messages others have submitted from across the country. If you choose to sign the Guestbook, your message — along with your name and city of residence — will appear on this page within a short while after your submission.

Congratulations to Families Fighting Flu for bringing this important message to the public. My friend's 12-year-old son developed a severe case of the flu in December 2003, which then spread to her and her husband. While they all eventually recovered, it was a frightening and eye-opening experience for their family and friends. — Linda , Ambler, PA

I am personally grieving the recent loss of a previously healthy child in our community. As a pediatrician I would like work toward immunizing all school aged children in their schools next fall. If anyone has experience working on this please contact me. — Bonnie Offit MD , Bala Cynwyd

In February 1975 my then 10 month old son developed the flu and was subsequently hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms of respiratory distress. Within 24 hours of his admission he went into respiratory failure, underwent a tracheotomy, developed double pneumonia and staph infection of the lung, was on a ventilator and suffered through more crisis than I care to recall. He was hospitalized for three weeks. He did survive however and is now a healthy 31 year old. People who have not experienced the effects of influenza first hand can't imagine the seriousness of 'the flu'. The vaccine was not available for my children but I make sure my granddaughter gets her shot every year. Please do yourself and your child a favor and protect your family from the flu. — Regan Stephens , Oklahoma City, OK

In Jan.2004 my 13 year old son came down with the flu and the virus made him develop inflammation of the spine (Transverse Myletis). My son has been in a wheelchair for almost 2 years. With this illness he has developed scoliosis. He is setup to have surgery on his spine because he has curved over 40 degrees and the doctor said they need to correct it before it curves any further. Please keep my son in your prays. May God bless each and everyone of us that have lost a child or has an ill child due to the flu. — chris , birmingham

On April 1, 2004, my grand-daughter developed a fever of 105 and went into convulsions. Her parents took her to the local community hospital. She was given IV Tylenol and some fluids. When the fever went down to 102, she was sent home with a diagnosis of 'just the flu'. Her parents called the pediatrician the next morning. He also said it was 'just the flu' and there was no point in seeing her because there was nothing more he could do. He said if she got worse to take her back to the hospital. The next day her parents monitored her temperature and when the diarrhea came back, they took her back to the hospital. She died on the way. She was 5 years and 3 days old. Her death was devastating and completely unnecessary. If the hospital or the pediatrician or her parents had been more aware of the seriousness of 'just the flu', she would not have been cheated out of the rest of her life. — Ann Booker , Baltimore, MD

We never met little Emily, the grandaughter of our dear friends John and Wendy, but she is in our hearts and prayers always. Love, Susan and Cucch — David and Susan Cucchiara , East Northport NY

In December of 2001 our 3-1/2 year old previously strong and healthy daughter became very rapidly and dangerously ill from the flu. The term 'just the flu' will forever send shivers up my spine. Only be the grace of God is she now a relatively normal 7-year old who now has respiratory/asthma issues. She spent 4-1/2 weeks in the hospital all but 3 days in ICU. And thank God for an extremely diligent ICU nursing staff that saved her life more than once. She was on a ventilator for 2-1/2 weeks, when she finally got off that she was rushed for an emergency thoracotomy to drain the fluid from her right lung that was compressing and putting pressure on her heart and trachea. When she finally left the hospital she was addicted to morphin and had to slowly be weaned off the painkillers and went through withdrawals. Obviously I have still not really recovered from what we all went through. It so disturbs me that people do not understand and have no concept of how deadly the flu can be. People still ask me no matter how many times I tell them she had the flu what made her so sick? I thank God every day for saving my daughter and I am so sorry for those who have lost their loved ones. May God bless you and use you to save others. — Patty , New Port RIchey, FL

Last week I had the opportunity of a lifetime to hopefully enlighten young adults of the seriousness of INFLUENZA - I began my college career 1 1/2 years ago @ age 48 - As a nearly 50 year old Mom who lost a daughter @ age 6 to Sudden Viral Induced Myocarditis in 1987. I dedicated my persuasive speech on the importance of flu shots and the 'hidden dangers' of the FLU to my Speech Communications class at the local University where I have worked for 23 years and attend school. The statistics and information I gathered from the CDC, other government and medical web-sites and journals I researched my fellow students found quite staggering! The laise faire attitude about the flu has gone on far too long with limitations regarding who, when and how people get flu shots - We should ALL urge the CDC, the American Association of Family Physicians and the American Association of Pediatrics to give flu shots more readily and easily to their patients as a UNIVERSAL injection! NO ONE should lose a child as a result of complications of the flu! — Kathleen A. Adams , East Stroudsburg, PA

I wholeheartedly agree that all children should receive the flu vaccine, but unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to obtain. Several pediatricians I have spoken with are still reluctant to give 'healthy children' the vaccination. Even after I inform them that I have moderate asthma. It is like pulling teeth. My two children 15mos and 2 year old only received half because they didn't order enough. — Michele , Los Angeles

I work with Joe Lastinger and must admit that until Emily's death of the flu did I think any more of the illness other than it's 'just the flu'. Not anymore. I will be more diligent in making sure my grandchildren are vaccinated, as well as my adult family members. My heart goes out to all that have suffered from this serious illness. — R.C. , Corinth

Great work and very timely with a pandemic predicted! — Caroline O'Connor , Coppell, TX

I'm sorry to hear about your loses I can't even fathom what I would do if I lost my two girls. I read the story of Emily Lastinger in the St. Louis Post Dispatch's Parade and it really scared me because I too have an Emily Lastinger who will be 3 in Jan. of 2006 that article really made me realize how often we take things for granted. Since then I have made sure both of my girls have been given the flu shot. Thanks for sharing your stories and letting other parents know the risk. — Stacy Lastinger , Arabi, Ga

I am SO glad I found this place!!! I have fought this fight with my local health officials and my state health officials for years concerning this issue!!! This is an awesome group and an IMPORTANT ISSUE!!! Healthy children need protection TOO!!! — Sheryl Langdon , Bedford, Indiana

Six years ago, my HEALTHY 5 year old son came down with the flu... He hadn't had his vaccine that year. He came desperately close to death and it was the scariest experience in our lives!!! He is 11 years old now and STILL remembers his experience with that flu scare and when it comes time every October for his flu shot, he knows that the needle going into his arm could save his life and he is more than happy to get it!!! My healthy children get their shots EVERY YEAR!!!! I am fortunate that my son survived his near death experience and we were given a second chance! THAT is why I STILL TODAY fight TIRELESSLY and with stowick determination to tell all and any parent of healthy children to get their healthy kids vaccinated!!! you better believe it~ — Sheryl Langdon , Bedford, Indiana

Thank you for sharing these sad experiences with us. I, a mother of four, had no idea that the flu could be so serious. I will always have my children vaccinated, every year, from now on. Hopefully, this knowledge shared will save other families from this tragedy. — Sharyn , Calgary, Alberta, Canada

This is the first year my 4 and 7 year old have received the flu vaccination at their doctor's recommendation. After reading these heartbreaking stories, I am so glad they did. I was also recently vaccinated and am thankful my company encourages and offers free flu shots. I am so sorry for your losses and please know that you've really opened my eyes to the dangers. I will be diligent every year from now on. — Jennifer Thompson , Chesapeake, VA

I live In Ontario Canada, up here all children get the flu shot, it is free to everyone, I hope you guys win your battle so everyone gets the flu shop [ all children — James Gaulton , Dundas Ontario Canada

A parent should never have to bury their child, a grandparent should never, never have to bury their grandchild and a great grandmother should never, never. never have to bury their great grandchild. This was the terrible tragedy that befell our family on the fateful February day. As the great aunt of little Emily Lastinger I can only say that our family will never be the same...a part of our heart(s) has foreverbeen broken. There is never a day that goes by that we don't think of her. Remember, a doctor can be WRONG, insist on your cut feeling(s). My seven year old grandchild was vaccinated even though his doctor felt he did not need it as he was an healthy child. The article on CNN was subperb and should be shown on all local tv stations. — Judy Wagner , Niskayuna, New York

I WORK AT THE AMERICAN VACCINE CENTERS WHICH ARE VACCINE CENTERS ADMINISTERING VACCINES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC LOCATEDIN THE WASHINGTON DC METROPLOITAN AREA. WE PROVIDE VACCINES INCLUDING FLU SHOTS FROM AUGUST THRU JUNE 30 OF EACH YEAR WE HAVE NEVER RUN OUT OF FLU SHOTS. WE ORDER IN QUANITY AND ORDER EARLY. WE NEED A BETTER FLU SHOT LOCATOR. THERE ARE MANY MEDICAL PRACTICES WITH FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE BUT IT IS DIFFICULT TO COMMUNICATE THIS TO THE PUBLIC SO THE VACCINES ARE WASTED. THE FLU SEASON USUALLY END SHORTLY AFTER MARCH HOWEVER CHILDREN LESS THAN 9 YEARS OLD WHO HAVE NEVER HAD A FLU SHOT WILL NEED 2 FLU SHOT GIVEN 1 MONTH APART.DOCTORS WITH EXCESS FLU VACCINE AFTER THE PEAK OF FLU SEASON MAY ELECT TO VACCINE THESE CHILDREN WITH 1 DOSE OF THE FLU UP UNTIL THE CURRENT YEAR SHOT EXPIRE IN JUNE 30. WHEN THE NEXT FLU SEASON START THESE CHILDREN WILL ONLY NEED 1 FLU SHOT. SO DONT BE SUPRISED IF YOUR DOCTOR OFFERS TO VACCINATE YOUR UNVACCINATED CHILD LESS THAN 9 WITH A FLU SHOT IN MARCH, APRIL, MAY, OR JUNE.MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MOST VACCINES ADMINISTERED IN THE US AND FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL CAN BE FOUND FREE AT OUR WEBSITE WWW.AMERICANVACCINECENTERS.COM THANK YOU DR RHODES — DR JOLAN RHODES PEDIATRICIAN , HYATTSVILLE MD 20782

I have read all of these stories with sadness in my heart. My daughter, Helen has had her 2 shots couple months apart. She is getting her shots every year. — Frank Kowarik , Derby, CT.

As an RN and father of 3 children I understand the importance if this life saving immunization. More importantly, I am vice president of a company that provides on site influenza and pneumoia immunizations. I can't begin to tell you how many stories that I have heard from parents about this potentially lethal virus. It seems so odd to me, parents getting their flu shots, while the children stand there and not get theirs. I know that it seems that I have a conflict of interest. however, I have children that I want to protect as well as help other parents protect their children too. We have NEVER turned anyone away that could not afford, didn't have, or couldn't come up with the money. Please let me know how we can help. Sincerely, Craig Price RN — Craig Price , Auburn,AL.

I watched the very sad stories on Good Morning America about the families who have lost their precious children to the flu. It made me call and get an appt. tomorrow for my 21 month old daughter to get her flu shot. Families fighting flu may have saved many children by making others aware. I am so sorry for the families that have had to go through unbearable tragedy because of the flu, and applaud them for helping others to not have to endure the same pain. — Amber Brock , White Lake

Thank you. What you are doing for public awareness is invaluable. How many families you may impact is unmeasurable. You are brave, meaningful people, and your impact will be great. — Susan Daley , Minnetonka, Mn.

The founding families are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for your courage and outreach to keep all children healthy. We would like to extend our love and a special prayer to Jessica Stein and her dear family. May they find peace and healing as the fourth anniversary of her death approaches. — Tanya and Peter Todaro , McLean

My heart goes out to all! This was the second year I had my child (8) vaccinated, and I struggled with the decision to do this annually. With all the comments like, 'I got the shot and it didn't work', or, 'the shot made me sick', etc., people had me second guessing my own feelings. After reading all of your comments, I will stick with my decision to do this for my child each year. Thanks. — Jeanette , Hebron

March 30th, 2004 was my daughter Jaunet.s birthday...we had a party, cake and presents. She was healthy and happy...two days later April 1st, she came down with the flu, i took her to the er, they sent her home...'just the flu'. Three days later, April 2nd, my husband, myself, and my 8 year old daughter rushed Jaunet BACK to the er..she went into cardiac arrest in the car, only blocks from the hospital. She died..it was good friday. 3 days later was to be an easter that my young 3 other children wish to forget. My older sons now seem to be doing 'OK' my daughter, now 11, is still emotionaly sick.we all put on our smiles for the world..to hide the devistaion and pain, that will never leave us. — Shelly Booker-Broussard , New Smyrna Beach,FL

Today at my high school, we had a presentation from Craig Scott-Rachel Scott's little brother. Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine shootings back in 1999. The result of her death has touched millions of people around the world, and 'Rachel's Challenge' an organization to help spread awareness goes from school to school and talks about her and the changes we can take part in to help spread kindness to others. It got me thinking about my cousin, Jessica Stein. She died in 2002. My aunt and uncle are some of the few amazing people who put this organization together. The 'Rachel's Challenge' presentation really tapped on a place in my heart that hadn't aquknowlaged in a long time. That is where Jessica is, and how much I miss her. These two amazing people, Rachel and Jessica, will both be remembered, but another similarity is that both their families are spreading awareness around the country about their deaths,and how to help prevent it from happening to other kids. I'm so proud of my family (my aunt and uncle. I love you all!) and Rachel's family as well. It's so hard to talk about your child, who has died, something so personal and sad. However, both will go a long way in their organizations. — Michelle , Sterling, VA

its amazing how quickly this can take over . I worried about my children getting into an accident or cancer you never think a little word like flu could do so much damage . get them immunized — cara , hingham ma

I am a 58 yr old woman. I get the flu every year. I am so worried about our children. They are our future. This is a great sorce of information for every one. For those who have loss members of your family to this killer disease. My heart goes out to all. It also has other affects on all ages. We must protect all our families. — Linda Abramowitz , Glens Falls, NY

I couldn't imagine going through what all these families went through. I think that they are about the bravest people I have ever heard of! — Amber , Austin

Julie Moise was a speaker today at the hospital I work at, Thank you for sharing your story with us, Although sad, it touched alot of people and I'm sure made a difference. I for one will be vaccinated this year as well as my family, especially my baby Ian. Thank you for sharing and educating us. — K Guinn , Lafayette Louisiana

Thank you all for what you are doing to educate the public on the need to have every one receive their yearly flu shots. On Feb.7,2007,my beautiful 5 1/2 year old granddaughter,Reilly woke up feeling ill. My son and daughter-in-law took her to the doctor at 12:30 P.M. and were told she had "just the flu" and to take her home and do what you do for the flu[rest, fluids,etc.]On Feb.8 at 1:30A.M. she died in her father's arms in their bedroom before they could get her to the hospital. The night before she had been shoveling snow in the driveway with her Dad. This was a perfectly healthy child who loved to sing,dance and tumble like most little girl's her age.If only we had been aware of how deadly the flu can be, maybe she could have been saved. Our family has been devastated by this lose. Living without Reilly in our lives is like living without sunshine. We have been so upset that we never really got the reason for her passing{her autopsy was inconclusive] but now after reading all the stories on the website I,m convinced she died of the flu. What a horrible loss of a very special child! I will do everything in my power to spread the word that people DO die of the flu and everyone should get their shot. I would only hope that no other family would have to go through what we have endured in the last 8 months. Thank you again for educating the public on something that is long overdue. — Nancy Bush/ Reilly's Nana , Crown Point, IN

10/11/07 Today show this morning with Dr. Nancy Snyerman addressed this topic. Check it out. My comment,I feel it is important to stress the flu shot does not protect against type B flu and was glad Dr. Snyderman did mention this. WARNING TO PARENTS: My perfectly healthy 20 month old grandson passed away 7 months ago even though he had been given the flu shot in the fall. He had a slight fever after day care. My daughter phoned doctor and was told to give him Tylenol. She did put him to bed at 8 pm. At 9:30 pm when checked on he was gone and could not be revived. Should the doctor have been more cautious? We will never know. — P. S. Peters , Shady Side, MD

If I can help in any way please let me know- I am a mother who lost her daughter from a vaccine preventable disease in 2001. I am planning a letter to the editior in MN and thinking of your school campaigns in our local district. Are also working on a parent coalition in MN for vaccines. — Shannon Duffy Peterson , Sleepy Eye MN

It is hard to get a Flu shot for my daughter who is now 8. My son (3) already had his shot for this year. I took my daughter to a Flu Clinic in our local grocery but was told they only give shots to kids 9 yo and older. No luck with their pediatrician also, I asked for her to be put on the list for the flu shot but was never called in, they only give priority to kids less than 5 yo. There should be an easier way to get it. — Barb , Massachusetts

Last January I lost my 8yrold son. My son Lucio was a VERY healthy child never sick. I recieved a phone call from the school telling me that "Lucio has been down here to see the nurse two times today and insisted to go back to class, he does have a small fever 100 but seems to be ok" i ended up takeing lucio to the doctor shorty after the phone call..Strep was negetive and seemed to be fine just a start of a virus..the next day he still had a fever and i stayed home with him and seemed to be ok threw out the day into night, he started caughing thursday night and saying his throat hurted so i took him to the hospital and had them check him out and do xrays. the doc there said xrays were clear and gave me a perscription for caugh with codien and bronxitus medicine said it might be the start of bronxitus. i gave him the meds when we got home at 2:00a.m. on friday so i notice he still had a fever at about9:00 friday morning and noticed he was breathing different i new somthing was wrong so i brought him to a different hospital and had him seen right away within in the 1st hour we were there they put a oxygen mask on him and took xrays and the doc came and said " you have a very sick little boy" i know that that is why we are here. the xrays show he has phenomia and influenza and we want to keep him in ICU to monitor him threw the night..after that it all went down hill, with changing oxygen machines after that did not work put him on a resperator and that did not work and they tryed another resperator and that did not work they tryed a Ecmo machine and transfered him to mpls. still no improvement we lost lucio a week later and still i am unsure why or what happened..it will be a year next month and it feels like yesturday still that this happened..I have a careingbridge for him and i had so many people from the "familiesfightingflu" coment on his page, i just though maybe i can come here and i can get some support on copeing or dealing , understanding something, i am stuck and just beating myself up..I have two other boys and they are dealing with there brothers loss and it is all so not real to us..I want to thank all of you who have left messages on lucio's careing bridge site. I am so very sorry for everyones losses just don't know how to deal with looseing one of my children. — Yolanda , Minnesota

On Feb. 6 of 2006, my healthy, beautiful, curly haired four year old daughter died. She had flu like symptoms, so my husband called the doctor. He said he had had about twenty different calls that day (it was Saturday) with children with the same symptoms. He called in a prescription, and she felt better for a few hours. Soon after she fell asleep my husband noticed she had a short seizure. He bundled her up and took her to the ER. They got her right back, but the doctors weren't too worried. They asked her, her name and age and she answered, she then went into a longer seizure, which she never recovered from. Her heart stopped, and the doctors tried and tried everything in their power to get that heart started again, but nothing worked. We miss our little Kaitlin so much. Her older sister and best friend cries for her sister. It has been a heart breaking trial. I sometimes wonder how we will make it. I just miss her so much. I don't think any family should have to go through something so difficult! — Amy Barrick , Cedar City Ut

We lost our son Domenic on March 5,2005. Domenic did have the flu vacine however he contracted type a which the vacine did not cover. Domenic was treated at Children's Hospital Philadelphia one of our top facilities in our area. Even with the best care they were unable to help him. — Maria Licciardello , Point Pleasant Beach

In 1976 (at the age of 9), I contracted a severe case of the Swine Flu which then progressed into pneumonia and resulted in over 6 weeks of illness. This experience remained very vivid for me and resulted in unwarranted fear that my two young boys could "catch" the flu from the vaccine in spite of my doctor's explanation to the contrary. That all changed, when in December of 2003, all 4 of our family members came down with the flu in one week. Our then 5 year old son came down with it first, had a fever of 105.5 and was extremely fatigued for weeks. A shortage of anti-virals contributed to his slow recovery undoubtedly. After seeing how ill he and his one year old brother became, I realized that I had allowed my fear of the vaccine to put them in grave danger. Now, we all get vaccinated every year. Bless all of you who have lost children to this horrible virus. — Kris , Troy

I failed to get my kids their flu shots this year and our whole family got the flu. My daughter is 7 and she was by far the sickest. We took her to the doctor twice and on the second trip they did a chest x-ray and almost admitted her. But the chest x-ray was negative so they gave her an antibiotic injection just to be safe. She missed 10 days of school and 2 weekends of activities before she finally started to get better. I myself missed a week of work. It was a very scary and worrisome time. We will definitely all be getting our shots come early November this year. My heart goes out to all who have lost children to this horrible virus. — Jennifer K. , Illinois

"Just the Flu" changed our perfect life in a matter of minutes during the early morning of December 10, 2003. Kaleb, 18 1/2 months, had received the 1st of a two part series of the flu vaccination...in fact,the Monday prior to that tragic Wednesday I called and set up the appointment for the 2nd shot...they told me to come on in...of course once I got their I was told they were out of the vaccine and that Kaleb had received more protection in the 1 shot than so many had received. I still requested for him be seen. Due to the fact that Kaleb had be exposed to the flu, Tamiflu was prescribed and the search was on to fill the prescription, which took the remaining part of the day. I was 5 months pregnant with our second son and had received the flu shot myself earlier in the season... as a parent there is a "naiveness" that if you do the right thing then everything will be okay. Kaleb fell asleep in my arms. I rocked him for about an hour longer, laid him in the guest room bed (his sheets were being washed), placed the safety railing up and went to sleep. My husband, JP, checked on him several times throughout the night, the last being approximately 4 am. Kaleb was safe and sound, dreaming of all his favorite things. Around 5 am, for whatever the reason, I woke up, maybe it was because Kaleb had not found his way to our bed, a nightly expected visit. I went to the rest room and a horrible feeling fell over me. I checked on our sweet baby. He was still in the position that I had laid him, warm to the touch, but was not breathing. Taking him in my arms, I yelled for JP to call 911 and I immediately began CPR. A living nightmare was unfolding minute by minute and I felt helpless. Everything in slow motion, I continued to pray asking for God to just save my baby, asking for miracle. I knew what miracle I wanted…. I wanted my baby to go home, healthy and safe. Only my “home” and God’s “Home” are two different places… and Kaleb deserves the latter of the two. For he was an “angel in training” while he was here with us. He taught me more about life and love than anyone could ever imagine, and now he is Our Little Angel in Heaven watching over us all. We miss him every moment of our day. We pray for families that know this pain and grief...we pray for you. — Julie , New London

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