July 23, 2009 2:32 PM

Comatose H1N1 Victim Gives Birth

By
CBSNews
(CBS)  Three weeks ago, Katie Flyte, then six months pregnant, developed a cough and fever. She had the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, but three different tests missed it. She is now in a drug-induced coma, unaware she's given birth.

Kenny Flyte, Katie's husband, said on "The Early Show" Thursday the virus would have been caught if doctors had used a more expensive test to detect it. He told CBS News an X-ray taken six days after her fever began was completely white, showing the flu's spread throughout her body.

Since the premature birth of their daughter, Abbey, the newborn has rallied, and is now doing "excellent," Kenny said. And although still in a coma, Kenny said Katie is doing well.

Kenny said he just wants people to become aware of H1N1, and protect themselves and others from spreading the virus.

"They don't know enough about this H1N1 to really understand how to fight it," he said. "It's been 23 days, and (Katie's) still being treated for the H1N1. ... This isn't something to take for granted."


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by buffybulldog August 13, 2009 9:32 AM EDT
To Katie's family, I am so sorry for you loss. She looks like she was a beautiful ray of sunshine. My heart breaks for her husband.

'breaking news', you must be a family member or close friend so please take care of them, share your memories of their mom with them as they grow, and help Kenny stay strong! God Bless you always!
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by _breaking_news_ August 12, 2009 11:51 AM EDT
in a heartbreaking update: Katie passed away 8/11/09. Her sweet baby is still alive and doing well on the positive side. The unbearable heartbreak of her young son losing his mother, an infant girl who will never know her mother and a young husband who has lost his wife are tragic and incomprehensible to say the least.
Kenny: my broken heart is there with you.
Katie: please know we will never let your little ones forget their mother.
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by Yeah-Me July 23, 2009 5:49 PM EDT
Yeah really why is hse in a drug induced coma? Makes me wonder if there were other complicating factors in this.

I'm glad thout to hear the little one is doing well though. :o)
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by yvonnebrehan July 29, 2009 6:30 PM EDT
The drug induced coma is part of the treatment for ARDS, Adult Respiratory Disease Syndrome severly affecting the lungs and other organs. She may be many months in a coma. She is fighting for her life! The baby is doing well.
by erasmus111 July 23, 2009 5:27 PM EDT
"She is now in a drug-induced coma, unaware she's given birth."


WHY is she in a drug-induced coma?
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by yvonnebrehan July 29, 2009 6:29 PM EDT
Katie is in an induced coma for treatment of the complications of H1N1. She now has ARDS, Adult Respiratory Disease Syndrome, affecting her lungs and other organs. Many ARDS sufferers are many months in comas so that they can heal and receive treatment. She is fighting for her life!
by stillwaters6 July 23, 2009 1:06 PM EDT
Delighted to know she has great health care coverage...otherwise insurance companies would have denied her services a long time ago...

Don't give up...she will wake up and claim her daughter with open arms and love and in her correct mind.
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