Fenton Flu-Related Deaths Raise Concerns Among Residents

Two recent deaths in Fenton linked to flu-related symptoms have 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 Fenton residents don't agree. Many Fenton Patch readers recently posted their opinions on the Fenton Patch Facebook Page.

Diana Clark Davis posted, "Won't get a flu shot, too much bad stuff in them. But we are super careful about where we go and about washing our hands - a lot!"

"My daughter had it all last week. She had it confirmed by the doctor it was the flu through a test. Very scary!" said Tiffany Grove. "She was the only one in our house who didn't get the flu shot. The rest of us who did didn't get sick."

"I have received the flu vaccine for years, except one, which was the year I had the flu bad," posted Melissa Sementelli.

Find out where to get a flu shot in Fenton.

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