When the Flu Kills

Sept. 3, 2008— -- When 6-month-old Marques Jackson developed a high fever and a cough, his family chalked it up to a bad winter cold.

It was December 2003, and the Jackson family, of Cleveland, was looking forward to celebrating a first Christmas for baby Marques and his twin sister, Chalise.

But when Marques' symptoms worsened, his family rushed him to the hospital. Rick Cerett, the twins' grandfather, recalled doctors in the emergency room telling him that Marques had influenza.

A few days later, Marques died as he was being rushed back to the emergency room.

Cerett said he never knew the flu was fatal, or that it was anything more than a 24-hour virus.

"Just like anything else, you learn more and more after it happens," Cerett said. "And we always wish we knew before." Visit the OnCall+ Cold & Flu Center

Influenza, or the flu, is an upper respiratory infection whose symptoms can commonly be mistaken for a cold. However, unlike a cold, influenza can attack the chest, causing pneumonia, seizures and other complications. And while most regard the illness as a common inconvenience or a short-lived bug, it is a disease that kills an estimated 36,000 Americans every year.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get an annual flu shot. Although initial recommendations for the flu vaccine only included individuals over the age of 50 and those with a chronic illness, this year the CDC's advisory on immunization practices expands the age range of people eligible to receive the flu vaccine.

Now the committee additionally suggests that every child from 6 months to 18 years old receive the vaccination.

"The initial recommendations were focused on trying to protect individuals who were at greatest risk," said Dr. William Schaffner, professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University. "The recommendations are now broadened to try to prevent anyone from getting [the flu]."