Youngsville teen dies of HINI flu

A Youngsville family is mourning the loss of their 14-year-old son who died of complications from the flu. The teen passed away two weekends ago while visiting his mother out of state.

The family said Hunter Thibodeaux died of Type A Flu, which health officials say is most likely H1N1. The strain carries symptoms like body aches, coughing, congestion, fever and nausea. But according to the Department of Health and Hospitals, H1N1 carries a higher risk of fatalities among younger people. Now Hunter's family is hoping his death will encourage others to get a flu shot.

The 14-year old was a freshmen at Comeaux High School who was visiting his mother in Arkansas when he became sick.

Hunter's symptoms only got worse and landed him back in the hospital the very next day.

Hunter was ultimately diagnosed with the flu and pneumonia. On January 25th, after being on life support for 48 hours, Hunter was dead.

Doctors say the best way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot. Even those that are extremely healthy should get the vaccine so the virus is not spread. Doctors say it is still possible to catch the virus, even after vaccination, but the severity of the flu will be diminished.