Flu Sends San Diego Veteran To ICU

SAN DIEGO, CA -- A San Diego County father of four young children went to the intensive care unit recently after catching the flu. In what could be seen as an unusual case for a healthy man, his family says he may not survive.

Shawn Burrough, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, was admitted into the hospital on New Year's Day after contracting the flu. Burrough, who works two jobs as the main provider of his family, now has strep pneumonia and kidney failure, his family wrote on the fundraising page www.youcaring.com.

"The doctor was very frank with (his wife, Jennifer,)," the page reads. "There is a possibility he won't make it. His small gains are encouraging but nowhere near what we need him to be yet. We are not even close to being out of the woods. We may not make it out of the woods. Keep praying. We are all in shock."

The fundraising page asks for donations as the family works to pay medical bills.

"I am asking if you can find it in your heart to reach out and make a donation to this family in need," the page reads. "They have the hearts of gold and would take their shirts off their back with out a doubt to help someone in need. Even if you can not donate please share.

"We do not know what the future is holding for them right now. Rent is due, groceries, diapers, utilities, gas money, so if we can make this stressful time a little easier for them while Jennifer (mom) can be where she is needed at Shawn's side let's please rally together and help them," the page said.

The number of people under the age of 65 who have died from the flu in California increased this week. The latest death toll stands at 27 people, the Los Angeles Times reported.

--Photo courtesy of Burrough family/YouCaring.com

Also See:

27 Under Age Of 65 Die From Flu In California: Report

Flu Deaths Rise, Cases Spike In San Diego County