She did not take medications because it was "too expensive" and died of "flu" less than a week later
Texas teacher named Heather Holland, aged 38, died of complications from the flu after she decided to give up medical treatment because she considered the 116 dollar Tamiflu "too expensive."
The complications from flu-like disease led a 38-year-old teacher to the hospital where she died after a septic shock. The cost of the medicine that was prescribed is $116.
Heather Holland, of Weatherford, Texas, reportedly fell ill last Monday and two days later was diagnosed with the flu. According to Fox News, doctors prescribed Tamiflu, an antiviral drug that costs approximately $116.
However, according to a statement by Holland's husband, cited by the Daily Mail, the mother of two thought that the medicine "cost too much" and decided not to take it.
The teacher's symptoms worsened on Thursday and then she decided to take the medication, but the situation didn't improve and the flu didn't get better.
On Friday night, Holland was rushed to an intensive care unit.
She suffered a septic shock and died Sunday morning, leaving her 10 and 7-year-old children orphaned, according to local media.
The victim of the disease was described by her husband as a "passionate woman, who devoted all her life to helping others, and loved by children".
The Weatherford School District informed through a statement that the Bose Ikard Elementary School, where Holland worked, was thoroughly cleaned, as were other schools in the district.
Steps to Avoid The Flu
- Cover your mouth and nose with your inner elbow or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands often, with soap and water.
- Don't share cups, water bottles or eating utensils.
UNNECESSARY FLU DEATH @GOP @SpeakerRyan Heather Holland, a second-grade teacher at Ikard Elementary School in North Texas. Fell ill with the flu on a Tuesday and sought treatment, but delayed picking up her medication because her prescription had a $116 co-pay. pic.twitter.com/turMuZ9vvF
— SoniaAnti tRump We got this #TheResistance #fbr (@lacasadesonia) February 11, 2018
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, this flu season is on its way to becoming one of the worst in history.
So far, more than 53 deaths have been recorded in children. Among these is the minor Dylan Winnik, from Florida, who unexpectedly died last month, after presenting symptoms related to a cold.
Do you feel that this year's flu season is the worst in the past decades? Please, share your opinions in the comments section below. Also, do you think a medication to treat flu should cost 116 dollars in the 21st century?
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