A 40-year-old Vorhees woman has died at a Philadelphia hospital from complications of the flu.

Nicole Born
Nicole Born (Knight Funeral Home)
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NBC 10 reports the Nicole Born check into the hospital at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia several days after her two children, age 7 and 3, became sick on Christmas Eve.

Her father, Gary Born, told the Courier-Post that his daughter, who is normally healthy, ignored her own symptoms as she cared for her family. "She kept putting it off, putting it off," Gary told the newspaper, adding that she was eventually diagnosed with the influenza A virus and was having difficulty breathing, due to low blood oxygen levels.

Gary Born is urging anyone who is feeling symptoms of the flu, which the Center for Disease Control says includes includes fever, cough, sore throat and muscle and body aches, should not wait to get treated. "If you're feeling ill, if you're sick don't wait. Don't become a statistic like my daughter," Gary told NBC 10.

The CDC says the flue is now widespread in all but seven states and adds that the best prevention is vaccination. However, experts are worried because the nasty bug that's making most people sick isn't included in this year's vaccine. Preliminary data on how well the vaccine is working is still weeks away. About 40 percent of the public was vaccinated against flu as of November, which is consistent with the rate in recent years.

Nicole Born's funeral is Saturday at the Knight Funeral Home in Berlin. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers ,donations be made to the Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Boulevard, Voorhees according to her obituary on the funeral home's site.

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs (CDC)

 

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

MORE COVERAGE

Flu activity in the United States through December 27
Flu activity in the United States through December 27 (CDC)
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The Associated Press contributed to this report

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