A 12-year-old girl from Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, fell into a coma after her flu symptoms were initially dismissed as a minor illness. Jessica Williamson was rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with Influenza A. This serious condition quickly escalated, leading to sepsis and necrotising pneumonia. Her mother, Ashleigh Moore, is now sharing Jessica’s story to emphasize the potential dangers of flu, especially in children, and to encourage vaccination.
Jessica’s ordeal began when she experienced a headache and vomiting, symptoms that were initially attributed to a “school bug.” Despite her condition worsening, she was initially treated with a single dose of paracetamol at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. As her health deteriorated, Ashleigh made the decision to return to the hospital, which ultimately saved her daughter’s life.
During a harrowing three-week stay at the hospital, Jessica became delirious, and her family faced some of their darkest moments. Ashleigh expressed her fears, stating, “It was heartbreaking to see her like that in an induced coma. I felt like I was looking into someone else’s life, and it didn’t feel real.” At times, the family believed Jessica might not recover in time for Christmas.
In December 2023, the NHS reported a significant spike in flu cases, with patient numbers rising by 55% within a week. The increase was attributed to a surge of the so-called “super flu,” which has raised concerns among health professionals. The NHS has urged anyone eligible to get their flu vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness.
In light of her experience, Ashleigh is urging parents to trust their instincts and seek second opinions if they feel their child’s condition is worsening. She remarked, “You don’t understand the severity of flu until you see it firsthand.” Her advocacy for flu vaccination is now more personal than ever.
The Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, has expressed sympathy for Jessica’s family. Chief Executive Sean Fenwick stated, “Flu in children can develop quickly from a stable situation to one which is very serious.” He encouraged parents to seek further medical evaluation if they have concerns about their child’s health.
Ashleigh is determined to raise awareness about the flu’s severity and the importance of vaccination. She hopes that by sharing Jessica’s story, other families will be encouraged to prioritize their health and seek immediate medical attention when necessary.
As the flu season continues, health professionals remind the public of the importance of vaccination and early intervention, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children.
