4-Year-Old Amherst Boy Dies in Influenza

News 4's George Richert reports officials are working to ensure there's no panic following this rare tragedy.

[Bill]

This is very sad. I got the flu this year and I was in bed for about 7 days. It also affected a few of my co-workers in a similar fashion. I have never gotten it that bad in my life... and I hope that I never do again.

[a mom]

Our thoughts & prayers are with the family as they endure a tragedy no family, no parent, no person should have to endure.

[Concerned in Buff]

Wait a minute... H5N1 is Influenza A, right? So which flu was it? Was it H5N1? Is THAT why officials are worried about a panic?

[joe citizen]

have you tried getting your kids the flu shot? Kenmore Peds acts like you need to be worthy enough to get it. Then you see this happen. It is sickening.

[THEREALITYCHECK]

joe citizen wrote:

have you tried getting your kids the flu shot? Kenmore Peds acts like you need to be worthy enough to get it. Then you see this happen. It is sickening.

That's something because Delaware Peds acts like you will go to jail if you DON'T vaccinate your child. How is it possible that a child who supposedly was only sick for one day, goes to the doctor, is diagnosed with a double ear infection, and goes home and dies. Something isn't adding up. Would the vaccine even have prevented this? I wish we were getting all the information. My heart goes out to the parents, whether he was vaccinated or not.

[Scattered]

My pede said he only recommends it for "high risk" children, meaning kids with asthma and other meddical conditoins and infant and toddlers in daycare full time. He didnt even care if I got it for my kids, which I didnt.

[Jimmy Luckman]

This is sad and we should get more people or kids should get a shot.

[mariebebe]

did the little boy receive the flu shot this year?

[Scattered]

NO, but it doesnt matter? The flu he had wouldnt have been affected by the shot. The shot was not for that type of flu. Go to the otehhr blog about this issue and you can read about it.

[a NYer]

My husband & daughter had the flu this week. 101.5* fever for 5 days. My son & I had the flu shot & we were both fine. My husband turned down the flu shot & my daughter had to cancel her appointment to recieve it & didn't reschedule. Before this, I would have thought the whole flu vaccine was suspect, but after this week, I'll never miss a flu shot again. God bless this poor family, but get your flu shots!!!

[THEREALITYCHECK]

a NYer wrote:

My husband & daughter had the flu this week. 101.5* fever for 5 days. My son & I had the flu shot & we were both fine. My husband turned down the flu shot & my daughter had to cancel her appointment to recieve it & didn't reschedule. Before this, I would have thought the whole flu vaccine was suspect, but after this week, I'll never miss a flu shot again. God bless this poor family, but get your flu shots!!!

The flue shot does not cover EVERY strain of the flu. Anyone who thinks that the vaccine will protect them from a deadly strain is mistaken.

[Concerned Resident]

THEREALITYCHECK wrote:

<quoted text> The flue shot does not cover EVERY strain of the flu. Anyone who thinks that the vaccine will protect them from a deadly strain is mistaken.

This is true. It's hit or miss. They can't vaccinate you for every possible illness. Also, I heard another news teaser that said that this little boy had another issue that led to his death but then I missed the actual news report. Does anyone know anything about this?

[Another Resident]

I have also gotten the flu even after getting a flu shot. Just because you get a flu shot is no guarantee you won't get the flu.

[upset in NT]

my doctor won't let patients come to her office if they have flu symptoms. She tells them to go to the walk-in clinic in Amherst. I was told to stay home in bed and treat my symptoms, lucky I din't listen and went to the walk-in clinic - turns out I had pneumonia.