Mum's plea after illness leaves young son with irreversible brain damage
Share this @internewscast.com

A South Australian mother has spoken out about her heartbreaking ordeal after the flu left her young son with permanent brain damage.

She’s now urging families to vaccinate their children, as a new needle-free option called “flu mist” is about to be rolled out.

Three-year-old Clive is in the process of rehabilitation to regain fundamental motor and speech abilities after being affected by influenza B, a virus he was not vaccinated against.

"We got to the hospital, Clive was completely unconscious," mother Monique Bussenschutt told 9News.
“We got to the hospital, Clive was completely unconscious,” mother Monique Bussenschutt told 9News.(Nine)

The infection rapidly progressed, causing inflammation in Clive’s brain.

“We got to the hospital, Clive was completely unconscious,” mother Monique Bussenschutt told 9News.

“They ran CT scans, MRIs, and it showed significant changes in Clive’s brain from influenza B.

Despite five days of intensive treatment, medical professionals have indicated that some of the neurological damage is irreversible. 

“He is still in rehab at the moment, just trying to get Clive back to his baseline,” Bussenschutt said.

She is now calling for a widespread flu vaccination program for children. 

Her plea comes as South Australia prepares to roll out a needle-free flu vaccination option, flu mist. 

The nasal spray vaccine is set to be available free of charge to children aged 2-5 from next year.

“The live virus in the vial is adequate to reach the nose without needing the child to inhale,” stated Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier.

Flu mist will initially be administered exclusively by general practitioners. 

There are plans to extend the program to schools in subsequent years to increase accessibility and vaccination rates among children. 

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Hannah Thomas was badly injured following an anti-Israel protest in Sydney's west.

Shocking Twist: Officer Faces Fresh Charges in Assault Case Involving Ex-Greens Candidate

A police officer already facing legal proceedings for allegedly assaulting former Greens…
For the past three years and eight months, Tom Phillips, 38, has been on the run, hiding out in the wilds of New Zealand. With him are his three children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, ten, and Ember, nine. Pictured: An image of what is believed to be the missing family, taken by a hunter

Enigmatic Partner Unveiled: Fugitive Father and Children Survive Four-Year Wilderness Escape in New Zealand

Some call him ‘The Bushman,’ while others refer to him as ‘The…
Shane Hryhorec has been using a wheelchair for the past 18 years and ran into an ironic and glaring issue at Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler's office in Port Adelaide.

Accessibility Fail: Shocking Barrier Encountered at Disability Minister’s Office

For nearly two decades, Shane Hryhorec has navigated life in a wheelchair,…

JD Vance Expresses Optimism About Gaza Ceasefire Stability Amid Ongoing Repatriation Efforts

United States vice president JD Vance has said he has “great optimism”…
Brittany Higgins has abandoned appeals against her costly defamation battle loss to her former boss, ex-Liberal senator Linda Reynolds.

Stunned by Defamation Defeat: Higgins Drops Appeals Amid Skyrocketing Costs

Brittany Higgins has decided to withdraw her appeals related to the loss…
Gregor Townsend says he will scale back his Red Bull role if it begins to affect Scotland

Townsend’s Red Bull Role Could Impact Scotland’s Test Success: Fans Demand Results

During a press briefing yesterday, Gregor Townsend momentarily feigned frustration as he…
Top UN court says Israel must allow UN relief agency to supply Gaza aid

International Court of Justice Mandates Israel to Permit UN Relief Agency Access for Gaza Aid Distribution

The International Court of Justice says Israel must allow the UN aid…
Prince Andrew

UK Prime Minister Supports Investigation into Prince Andrew’s Rent-Free Lease at Royal Lodge

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has thrown his support behind an inquiry…
According to clinical nutritionist, Gina Urlich, everyday seed oils could be slowly wrecking our health - and they're in everything from fast food takeaways and salad bar dressings to supermarket breads and even so-called 'healthy' snacks

Clinical Nutritionist Reveals the Common Kitchen Staple She Steers Clear Of

Many of us might casually pour a bit of oil into the…
Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand Braces for Impact: Intense Double Storm Threat Looms After Fatal Weather Strikes

A man was struck and killed by a tree branch in a…
James Vlassakis arrives at the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Attorney-General Demands Urgent Review: Controversial Parole Decision for Infamous Snowtown Killer Under Scrutiny

The South Australian attorney-general has taken steps to challenge the recent decision…
Wild weather in Victoria

Victoria and SA Prepare for Intense Cyclonic Winds and Severe Weather Conditions

Residents throughout south-east Victoria, including those in Melbourne, are bracing for severe…