A mother is urging parents to get their children vaccinated after losing one of her baby twins to flu on Christmas Day.
In December, 15-month-old Louie and Vinnie Hughes were placed in induced comas as they fought to survive the disease. Vinnie is now on the road to recovery but his brother could not be saved.
Their mother Meg Hughes hopes his story will encourage others to vaccinate their children and is calling for flu jabs to be made mandatory.
“Never in my life did I think the cause of death listed on my baby’s death certificate would be the flu,” she said.
The twins, from Stockton-on-Tees, had gone from “strength to strength” since being born prematurely at just 26 weeks and two days gestation.
Despite spending months in hospital from birth they were left with no major medical needs and were thriving, happy babies until they caught the flu, Ms Hughes said.
“Louie was so smiley, he was a brilliant boy who’d come through everything,” she said.
“He was the love of my life, but I don’t want to cry because none of my memories of him are sad.”
After contracting flu, the twins’ health deteriorated quickly and on Christmas Day, Louie’s heart stopped.
Medics at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary did all they could to save him and worked on him for 19 minutes before he died, Ms Hughes said.
“My arms feel so empty now,” she added.
“He was the smallest twin and always seemed to need me the most, he always wanted cuddles.”
Speaking days after his death, the heartbroken mother wants to use her son’s memory to save others.
She would like to see legislation introduced to make it mandatory for all children to be fully vaccinated, including a flu jab, before they start school.
‘Save a life’
The latest statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show fewer than half of school age children across England received a flu jab this winter.
Infants under six months months are too young to have the vaccine, but expectant mothers can have it at any stage of their pregnancy.
“I would encourage everyone to get their child vaccinated if possible and I’d like to see it made mandatory, as it could save a life,” Ms Hughes said.
“Many people think with children that flu’s just a cough and a cold that can be treated at home, they don’t realise how serious it can be.
“I hope hearing Louie’s name will help others to get well.”
A government spokesperson said: “This is a heartbreaking story and our thoughts are with Meg and the rest of Louie’s family.
“We commend her calls for people to take up the flu vaccine – it is the best way to protect you and your loved ones.
“It is vitally important that everyone has their recommended vaccinations and children aged two and older are routinely offered the flu jab.”