Influencer’s younger son dies after flu complication battle adopted by 1000’s

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A Catholic influencer introduced Thursday that his 5-year-old son had died after an 11-day battle with a extreme case of the flu, a loss that unfolded publicly as he shared updates virtually day by day on-line.

Paul J. Kim, who shares faith-based content material with greater than 300,000 followers on Instagram, stated his son Micah died on New 12 months’s Eve.

In an emotional video posted Thursday, Kim thanked supporters for his or her prayers and requested for privateness as his household grieves.

"We're so pleased with him," Kim stated within the video. "I need to thanks from the underside of my coronary heart, as his dad, on behalf of my household, for all of the methods you guys prayed and lifted us up throughout this time. It’s been the toughest factor I’ve ever been via in my life, and it continues to be."

Kim first shared information of Micah’s sickness Dec. 21, when he posted that his son was being taken to a hospital by ambulance after a medical emergency.

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The younger boy was taken by ambulance Dec. 21 to a hospital. (iStock)

In subsequent updates, Kim stated docs described Micah’s sickness as an unusually extreme case of the flu. Kim later advised followers that Micah had been positioned on life assist and urged individuals to hope.

In later updates, he revealed that the flu an infection had turned septic and triggered seizures. On the time, Kim stated docs described the case as uncommon and critical.

In a Dec. 30 replace, Kim stated his son’s situation had worsened and that Micah was in a coma as docs and relations labored to offer him as a lot time as attainable.

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In accordance with current knowledge, the CDC reported 288 pediatric flu deaths within the current 2024-25 season. (iStock)

Kim’s posts, a few of which confirmed Micah within the hospital, have been considered hundreds of thousands of instances.

All through the ordeal, Kim referred to his son as a fighter and "my hero."

In a written Instagram publish, he quoted Job 1:21, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the identify of the Lord" and stated Micah had entered "the endless glory, love, and peace of God."

He added that whereas his household’s hearts are damaged, they proceed to depend on their religion.

Kim additionally requested followers to hope for his household as they study "easy methods to stay by religion and never by sight."

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Kim first shared information of his son's sickness Dec. 21. (iStock)

In accordance with current knowledge, the CDC reported 288 pediatric deaths within the 2024-25 season.

This has been a report excessive for a non-pandemic yr, principally amongst unvaccinated children, with 70% having underlying circumstances like bronchial asthma.

As well as, a brand new so-called "tremendous flu" pressure has emerged this season, a mutation of influenza A H3N2 referred to as subclade Ok. It is extremely contagious and aggressive and is sweeping the nation this season.

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On common, round 20,000 kids beneath 5 are stated to be hospitalized yearly, with youthful kids (beneath 6 months) going through the best mortality danger, highlighting the significance of annual vaccination, in accordance with the CDC.

Kim didn't instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark.

Fox Information Digital's Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.

Emma Bussey is a breaking information author for Fox Information Digital. Earlier than becoming a member of Fox, she labored at The Telegraph with the U.S. in a single day crew, throughout desks together with overseas, politics, information, sport and tradition.