Swine flu claims young mom's life

TAMPA - A young mother who was in a swine-flu related coma after having an emergency C-section passed away Monday night, her husband said.

Valerie Post, 24, was seven months pregnant with her second daughter in August when she was rushed to the hospital complaining of backaches and a fever.

Doctors diagnosed the Citrus County woman with swine flu. They also ordered an emergency C-section to save the baby. September 1st, Bryan Post shared with FOX13 the painful days that followed.

"I said 'I'll see you when you come out, she never came out. It's been 25 days and she's opened her eyes once," Bryan said.

Serious complications had developed. Valerie stayed on life support, until Monday when she died.

Tuesday afternoon, Bryan told FOX 13 the reality hadn't set in yet.

Pregnant women like Valerie are at greater risk of developing swine flu complications, says FOX 13 Medical Reporter Dr. Joette Giovinco.

"The best thing they can do is avoid individuals who may be sick. And in addition to that, if you are sick and you work around someone who is pregnant be very courteous because swine flu symptoms may be very mild," Giovinco said.

Aubree Gaynor is due in December. She says she's still deciding whether to get the vaccine. She says if she doesn't, her husband may.

"I know they're giving out free vaccinations at some places. My husband he got an offer at work, so I'm thinking he might try and do that instead of me personally getting the vaccine," she said.

Health officials recommend pregnant women get the swine flu shot when it's available mid or late October. Dr. Jo says it's important pregnant women feeling sick report it to their doctor right away.

"Any pregnant woman with flu-like symptoms needs to call the doctor immediately because there may be medicine to help prevent some of these adverse consequences that we're seeing. It may not, but they need to at least try," she said.

Jill Demesa is expecting a girl in December. She will not get the vaccine and Valerie's death doesn't change her mind.

"I think it's very sad, but I can't be afraid just because one person died. There's thousands, millions of people that are pregnant," said Demesa.

A majority of pregnant women who develop swine flu recover. Valerie Post experienced a much more difficult fight that in the end, she lost. She and her husband's newborn baby Nora is doing fine. The couple also has a little girl.