As the world goes into a panic over Coronavirus, thousands are dying from the flu and flu complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between October 2019 and January 2020, there have been over 10,000 flu deaths.
One victim was Charlie Ewalt, a 50-year-old single dad to a son with special needs.
He was a seemingly healthy man, a businessman and a musician but his most important role was as father to Linkin, who has CHARGE syndrome, a disorder that affects many areas of the body including the heart.
On January 16 the Texas dad was rushed to hospital after he contracted flu which led to pneumonia, his brother Tim Ewalt told WFAA. Two days later he was put on life support.
According to Tim his brother’s condition led to lung and brain damage and after two weeks he was taken off life support.
Tim warned others not to wait until your flu symptoms get worse but to see a doctor immediately.
“Don’t wait because you never know how bad it’s going to get,” his emotional brother Tim said. “I’ve never been to the doctor because of the flu and this was a wake-up call.”
‘Linkin misses his dad’
Charlie’s 13-year-old son Linkin was his top priority and his Instagram account is full of pictures showing proud moments with his adored son.
Now Tim is concerned about Linkin’s health following the death of his father adding: “Linkin misses his dad.”
Linkin has reportedly had open-heart surgery and many hospital visits leading to mounting medical bills. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support him.
Please share to help support this boy and his uncle during such a difficult and heartbreaking time in their lives.
