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Girl's Flu Nightmare: Coma From Dismissed Symptoms
17 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A 12-year-old girl fell into a coma due to Influenza A.
- Her initial symptoms were initially dismissed as a common cold.
- The case highlights the dangers of flu and urges vaccination.
A devastating flu infection landed a 12-year-old girl in an induced coma, with her mother now sharing the ordeal to highlight flu's serious potential. Initially dismissed as a minor illness, Jessica Williamson's symptoms rapidly worsened, leading to a diagnosis of Influenza A, which then progressed to sepsis and necrotising pneumonia. Her condition became so critical that her mother feared for her life during the three-week hospital stay.
Recent NHS figures showed a significant spike in flu patients, with a 55% increase in one week. This surge underscores the importance of the mother's plea for flu vaccinations. She expressed regret for underestimating the flu, realizing its severity only after witnessing her child's fight for survival in intensive care.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead managed Jessica's case, and hospital bosses acknowledged the severity of flu in children. They urged parents to seek further medical review if their child's condition deteriorates and strongly recommended eligible individuals get vaccinated. The trust has offered to meet with the family to discuss the events.
