Flu-Related Deaths Raise Concerns Among Brighton Residents

Two recent deaths in Fenton linked to flu-related symptoms have Brighton area residents a little more on edge about the illness.

after being hospitalized with flu-like symptoms. Last week, Fenton resident and father of five Kirk Beauchamp, 44, died three days after becoming ill with flu symptoms.

Twenty-nine states, including Michigan, are now reporting high Influeza-like illness activity, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Flu season has hit hard and early this year. As of last week, 285 confirmed cases had been reported statewide, including three pediatric deaths, according to the Detroit Free Press.

"We had some early (outbreak) years in '03 and '07, but this is the earliest I can remember," Bob Swanson, director of the division of immunization at the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) told the Detroit Free Press.

Health officials have encouraged people to receive a flu shot, but some Brighton residents don't agree. Many Brighton Patch readers recently posted their opinions on the Brighton Patch Facebook Page.

Char Seagraves commented, "I never have nor have my children, we are rarely sick. I wouldnt put that stuff in my system at all, do you know whats in it?"

Anna Attard had a similar opinion.

"It makes you wonder how people of my generation (I'm in my 30's) ever survived childhood," she wrote. "We didn't have the flu shot and I don't remember there being a hysteria about the flu."

On the opposing of the conversation, Lisa Ladoski Jenkins said the recent deaths have her very concerned and that she would be taking her boys to get their shots on Wednesday.

Anna Attard said she believed sick kids should be kept at home.

"It would be nice if people kept themselves and their kids home when they are sick," she said. "I took my daughter to story time today, at Cromaine, and there were three children there who were obviously sick. One of the little boys told his mother he wasn't feeling well when she asked him. It's hard to keep my child well if she constantly exposed to children who's parents make stupid choices."

Find out where to get a flu shot in Brighton.

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