Swine flu linked to 9-year-old’s death
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A third grader at Woodbrook Elementary School has died of possible complications from the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu. According to the Newsplex, the 9-year-old had an underlying heart condition that made him more susceptible to the flu. He died at UVA Medical Center after becoming ill last week.
According to DP, “it was not clear if Carson’s death was tied to H1N1.” Does the Hook have different information? Or do you figure that stating “possible complications from the H1N1 virus” is vague enough to get away with a headline reading “Swine flu linked…”?
I’m no journalist, but I would expect the statement “X is linked to Y” as requiring the existence of an actual, tangible link.
Also from the Daily Progress:
Dr. Lilian Peake, director of the Thomas Jefferson Health District, said she could not comment on the boy’s case but did confirm that a child diagnosed with flu-like symptoms had died.
I just think that leaping from “flu-like symptoms” to “linked to swine flu” is a little bit bold. And irresponsible.
Lots of this reporting going on. I think it’s an attempt to get parents to realize how serious this flu is, and to vaccinate their children, which many are reluctant to do. Personally, if I had young children I would get them vaccinated.
I’m planning to get my kids vaccinated. But it’s not responsible journalism to use a local tragedy as an example of the dangers of H1N1 before the facts are in. If it turns out this child’s strain was not H1N1, when the Hook then has to report that fact, it actually undercuts the sense that H1N1 is a rampant danger.
I suggest very strongly that Hoolarious takes a little time to do some research before throwing out irresponsible journalism accusation. This boy was dianosed with H1N1, as confirmed by his mom in several news reports. As with most if not all of the deaths associated with this virus, we are talking about a situation where there was a clear pre-existing condition. Rather than debating the journalistic merits of this story without a clear understanding of the facts involved, I suggest we all focus our energies on what is most important. There is a family in our community who has suffered an unimaginable loss, whose lives have been forever changed. There was a beautiful, vibrant, life-loving boy who got nine years of life on this Earth. NINE years. I suggest putting our energies toward hugging our children a little tighter today and understanding that the best of us every single day.
meantto say that they deserve the best of us every single day.
Swine Hoo, Swine Flu, not getting that shot, bet right after the shot goes out, cases of swine hoo goes way up.
Enough, show us the media reports where it is confirmed that he had swine flu.
Quick, everyone run and hide…THE SWINE FLU IS COMINGGGGGG!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
This is a small community. People who know Carson (such as myself) are reading this story. I understand that there are issues that relate to the community at large that this story touches on, but maybe this story is not the one to post sarcastic comments or even comments related to the journalistic standards of this small community’s media.
I’ve been very saddened since I learned of Carson’s death on Saturday. He was such a sweet, nice boy. My heart goes out to the Raymonds.
Enough, hoolarious and schwamschwa, who cares about your tempest in a teapot? I mean, really. I can tell you’re sitting at your computer and bored. Why not go for a walk outside. Life is short.
“Enough”, I’m sorry. I see that you’re trying to inject some class into the discussion too.
Some people need to be more considerate. Two of my sons were diagnosed with the H1N1 virus yesterday. Although they go to different schools they seem to have contracted the virus at the same time. Their symptons include high fever, coughing, aching and being lathargic. We werent able to get them vaccinated because of a shortage of the flu vaccine and one of my sons is allergic to eggs, which is an ingredient of the vaccine. We are keeping an eye on their symptons and are keeping them from school. Also we are keeping our daughters out of school to watch their temps in hopes that they dont have it either. The medicine prescibed by their doctor seems to be in a shortage in the Newport News area and the local pharmacies are having to make childrens dosages from the adult meds. Get your children vaccinated as soon as possible and clean everything they touch thoroughly.