Swine flu vaccine would have saved my daughter
Brittany-Rose Eastland was 9 years old when she died in her mother Sharon Boor's arms on 18 October 2009."She was the shining light in our life and now that light has gone," said Sharon, who wants to encourage parents to take advantage of the flu vaccine if they can.
Brittany contracted pneumonia as a result of H1N1 Influenza, and her death was so sudden, there was no time for Sharon to even be aware that she might have swine flu, let alone pneumonia.
"Brittany didn’t have any underlying conditions and wasn’t in an at risk group for swine flu, so people can’t be complacent, don’t think being fit and healthy will protect you, my daughter was fit and healthy too. Everyone should accept the swine flu vaccine if you are offered it; it doesn’t just protect you, it protects your loved ones around you. Everyone should have it, especially for their children. The vaccine may give you a sore arm or other minor side effects but it is nothing compared to the alternative and what I am going through now."
Peter Heyward, Flu Director for NHS West Sussex, said, "Brittany’s death is clear evidence of how serious swine flu can be and why we should not be complacent. Although the majority of people in Sussex have only experienced mild symptoms from swine flu, it can have a much more serious and tragic effect and claim lives.
"Our thoughts are with Brittany’s family and friends, especially her mother and brothers, and we would urge everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult and tragic time."
Sharon added, "My beautiful Brittany-Rose was such a happy, kind and caring little girl who thought nothing of putting others before herself. She was greatly loved by everyone who knew her and she will be so missed, especially by myself, her two younger brothers and all her school friends."
Claire Tiley, Headteacher of Three Bridges Junior School, said, "She was a gentle natured, lovely girl, a model pupil at Three Bridges Junior School. She was trusted and respected by her peers and always caring and considerate.
"She had a great relationship with all the adults at school and we will all miss her smile and friendly face. She will be sadly missed by the whole school community."
Peter Heyward urged everyone to make sure they know what the symptoms of swine flu are and what to do if a member of the family becomes unwell.
"The main symptoms of swine flu are fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills and in some cases vomiting and diarrhoea. If you are unwell with any of these symptoms, you should stay at home and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service for further advice by phone on 0800 1 513 100 or via the website www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.
"However if you, or your child, has a serious underlying illness, is under one year old, are pregnant, or if their condition suddenly gets much worse, please contact your doctor directly. We are working hard to offer the swine flu vaccine to everyone at risk of developing serious complications. Hundreds of people in the priority groups have already been vaccinated, and soon we will start to vaccinate children under 5 years old. We would encourage everyone who is offered the vaccination to make sure you have it."
"If my daughter had been given the swine flu vaccine she would be alive now," said Sharon. "Please protect your children and your families."
2 December 2009
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She developed pneumonia and died within 3 days of getting sick.
Scotland is hiding the number of deaths by swine flu !!