San Jose Mother Dies From Flu Shortly After Diagnosis

SAN JOSE, CA - Katie Denise Oxley Thomas was healthy - a marathoner who also did yoga. But the San Jose mother of three died from the flu earlier this month, just days after her diagnosis. She was 40 years old. Her family is shocked at how quickly the virus stole the life of this vibrant woman.

Thomas complained of a sore throat on Jan. 2. The next day she was in the ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital. The following day, she died. Doctors believe she progressed from Influenza B to pneumonia to septic shock and organ failure. An independent autopsy has been requested by her family, but results are expected to take weeks.

Thomas was the fifth person in Santa Clara County this season whose death has been attributed to the flu. Last week, public health officials warned that flu is widespread locally and urged everyone to get a flu shot. They also encouraged people to stay home and take care of themselves instead of rushing to the hospital, noting that local hospital emergency rooms are crowded with sick people.

Thomas went to the emergency room twice. The first time she was diagnosed as having the flu and was sent home with instructions on caring for herself. She returned to the ER when she had trouble breathing.

Also See: Please Don't Help My Kids

So, when should you seek help from influenza? Here's guidance form the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Emergency warning signs of flu sickness

In children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:

• Being unable to eat
• Has trouble breathing
• Has no tears when crying
• Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

In adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Meanwhile, Thomas' family is coming to terms with their new reality. Her children - ages 7, 15 and 17 - live with their father in San Diego. They rushed to the Bay Area to be at their mother's bedside the day she died.

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