IOWA CITY, IA — (KWWL/CNN) Since the beginning of the flu season, experts have warned that the virus can be dangerous.
An Iowa family knows this all too well as their 4-year-old daughter fights for her life after getting the flu.
During this time, Christmas is still on hold at the Frey household as they wait on Jade Delucia to pull through after becoming seriously ill.
"They didn't think anything of it. I think the highest her fever had gone at home was 100," Courtney Frey, Jade’s grandmother, said.
After being rushed to a local hospital, she began seizing - prompting staff to life flight her to the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital.
"They tested her for a lot of different things to ensure if wasn't several infections or bacteria. But the only thing that came back was influenza b that had gotten into her brain," Courtney said.
Something her family never expected from the flu - leaving their youngest daughter fighting for her life.
"Yeah it was touch and go. She just couldn't breathe. The flu had built up in her lungs. Her brain had swelled," Courtney said.
For nearly two weeks Jade's been hooked up to machines. Her MRI results showing extensive brain damage.
"Thankfully two days ago Jade woke up. And she opened her eyes and she started to move her little hands. And we just started to see a little more of her come back to us," Courtney said.
Now the family is praying for the best - thankful for the community rallying in support.
But her parents have a message.
"Take them to the doctor. If you feel like well... no, after 24-48 hours, take them. Get them tested. Demand for an influenza test. Because she said I would have much rather paid for the test than this," Courtney said.
