"60 Minutes" H1N1 Teen Goes Off Ventilator

(CBS)  When Luke Duvall arrived at Arkansas Children's Hospital Oct. 7, he was critically ill, his left lung filled with fluid.

CBS News Correspondent Kelly Cobiella reports this healthy, strong 15-year-old football player had the flu for days - then suddenly couldn't breathe.

His father, Chad Duvall, told "60 Minutes," "He was panting like a dog, really fighting for his breath."

Doctors confirmed Luke had H1N1 and for reasons they don't fully understand, the virus attacked him with an intensity rarely seen in someone who was healthy.

"He did have moments when he was really sick enough and there was concern if he didn't improve he could die from this disease," said Dr. Jerril Green of Arkansas Children's Hospital.

CBSNews.com Special Report: H1N1
"60 Minutes": H1N1 Most Dangerous to Young People
CDC: Learn More About H1N1
CDC: What To Do If You Get Sick
Flu.gov: Where To Get Your Flu Shots

Doctors are seeing more cases like Luke's. Seventy-five patients have tested positive for H1N1 at Arkansas Children's Hospital since August. Seventeen of them, like Luke, ended up in the pediatric intensive care unit. Just last month, there were more H1N1 patients in the unit than were admitted all last year for the regular flu.

At this particular hospital, three children have died. After 16 days on a ventilator doctors decided Friday it was time for Luke to breathe on his own.

In the privacy of Luke's hospital room, doctors removed the breathing tube. 20 minutes later, Luke was trying to talk.

"We can see the end of the road from here. And it's been a long time since we could see the end of the road," said Chad.

Doctors say it will take weeks for Luke to build up his strength again. But his dad is predicting his son will be back on the pitcher's mound come spring.

[devilfly1]

Very touching story and news! I pray to God that he will gurnatee a speed recovery for Luke.

It kinda broke my heart to see that He is sick over virus.

I hope he will be back as strong.

Hang in there!

[elmahdy0001]

i still pray tou our god who havd creative that world to never ever replace his gudgment from the bad people who kill weekness please god sent your anger and fier and eathquakes and let the weekness seen your justice amiiiiiiiiiiien

[Former_Marine_Sgt]

Thank God Luke is doing well.

With this kind of evidence of how nasty this bug is - are there people still out there that call the H1N1 a bogus thread? Are there still people out there doubting that they need the vaccination?

[LilBambi01]

I agree wholeheartedly!

Luke did great! Fought hard and won! Bet it kinda feels like his personal best game ever!

Many years ago, one of our daughters -- at the time only about 19 mos old -- fought and won in a similar way after a horrible battle in isolation with viral pneumonia. I think I can understand a little of what this family has gone through. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to your family during Luke's recovery.

[LilBambi01]

Just to clarify, it was early 1977 when our daughter had viral pneumonia. I didn't want to be misleading - her viral flu had nothing to do with H1N1.

[coachb95]

good job Luke..whay to make it count

[kobbleur]

I am pleased about CBS posting this follow-up. The "60 Minutes" piece on H1N1 and Luke was very touching and there were many people offering their best wishes.

Congrats to the Doctors and Luke's family. Most of all Good Work Luke! You fought a hard fight and won.