Mother’s Mission to get everyone vaccinated for the flu
BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) – Eleven years ago this week, Cathy Sousa’s healthy daughter Victoria lost her battle with the swine flu. At the time, there wasn’t a vaccine available for that particular strain.
After days of battling the virus, the 12-year-old’s symptoms quickly got worse. “We were getting ready to bring her to the doctor and it was too late, she passed away by noon time, “ says Cathy Sousa.
That’s why Sousa has spent the last decade making it her mission to get everyone vaccinated for the flu. This year she says, with cases of the Coronavirus surging across the county, it’s more important than ever. “Chances are if you get the flu you will be fine, and the Coronavirus you could be fine, but she’s the perfect example of you just don’t know, “ adds Sousa.
The concerns this year: health care systems across the world being overwhelmed, as flu season mixes with COVID–19 cases. “It’s about protecting not just you, but your parents, babies, grandparents your friends and there is no downside to getting the flu shot at all, “ says Sousa.
Victoria a former Little Miss 4th of July would have been 23 years old this year, and her mother can’t help but think what kind of woman she would have turned out to be. “Right before she passed away, she was in the 7th grade she said daddy I want to get straight A’s because someday I think I’m going to become a doctor, “ says Sousa.
On average, about 60–percent of Rhode Islanders get the flu shot each year.
Health officials are hoping 90–percent will get vaccinated ahead of the peak of this year’s flu season.
