UPDATE: Flu still spreading in Nebraska

UPDATE:

Since September, there have been more than 10,200 flu cases in Nebraska and 51 flu–related deaths.

Among the most recent: a child and a Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy.

But Kathy Hartmann of Seward Channel 8 about her own brush with death six years ago because of the flu.  It had attacked her heart.

“My kidneys had shut down, my whole body was shutting down,” Hartmann said.  “They told my husband I wouldn’t live through the night.  They said I had cardiomyopathy.”

She said she was in a coma for days and had to see a cardiologist.

And while she survived, she said she’s saddened by how many children don’t.

“I have survivor guilt a lot of the time because I almost feel like I shouldn’t be here.”

She said people should take the flu seriously and that since her ordeal, she gets the flu shot every year.

If you have the flu and are having trouble breathing or feeling pain in your chest, go to a doctor or emergency room immediately.

If you’d like to know more about what to do if you’re sick, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm

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February is halfway over, but the flu is still running rampant in Nebraska.

Since September, there have been 10,200 cases of flu and 51 flu–related deaths in the state.

Some of the most recent included a child and a Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy.

Kathy Hartmann of Seward told Channel 8 about her own brush with death six years ago because of the flu.

“My kidneys had shut down, my whole body was shutting down,” Hartmann said.  “They told my husband I wouldn’t live through the night.  They said I had cardiomyopathy.”

Hartmann said the flu had attacked her heart.

She said ever since then, she’s gotten a flu shot every year and said the illness should be taken seriously.