Leslie Creekmore wanted to get the flu shot back in October, but because it was too early in her pregnancy, her OB/GYN recommended against it based on an outdated belief that it wasn't safe during the first trimester. Today, Leslie's on a ventilator fighting for her life after contracting the flu virus. Sadly, her unborn baby did not survive after she spontaneously delivered her at 20 weeks.
As he waits for a miracle to happen, her husband Chris Creekmore wants to make sure everyone understands the benefits of getting a flu shot–especially when you're pregnant.
Read more ¿Qué más?: Healthy & young mom of 3 dies just days after catching common flu
That's because pregnant women are five times more likely to have serious complications related to the flu and even end up in the ICU than women who are not pregnant and get the flu, according to experts. While nobody's saying that Leslie woudn't have gotten the flu had she received the vaccine, it probably wouldn't have been as severe as it is now.
Chris doesn't blame their doctor for telling Leslie not to get the flu shot, he just wants other women to know it's safe regardless of where they are in their pregnancies. But, more than anything, he wants his wife of three and a half years to survive.
Even though losing their baby was devastating, Chris believes it was also a blessing. Doctors say Leslie's body was working way too hard to keep the baby alive. What Chris doesn't know is how he'll break the heartbreaking news to his wife once she wakes up.
Stories like this one scare the hell out of me because they go to show how someone can go from being completely healthy one day to being on a ventilator the next all because of the flu. I had my first bout with this virus during Christmas and I never imagined it would be so horrid. Luckily, I get vaccinated every year because who knows how much more severe consequences would have been otherwise.
I hope Leslie is able to make a full recovery very soon and that, after coping with her devastating loss, she and Chris can once again start thinking about becoming parents.
Image via ktvz.com
