Alexandra mum on life support after influenza A takes devastating turn
A 36-year-old mother from Alexandra is in critical condition in an Auckland hospital after influenza A led to severe pneumonia and sepsis. While she remains on life support, her family reports early, cautious signs of lung recovery.
Why it matters
The case underscores the potential severity of influenza complications, even in younger adults, and the importance of advanced medical interventions like ECMO.
An Alexandra mother-of-two who was given just a 10% chance of survival after influenza A developed into severe pneumonia and sepsis is showing the first signs her lungs may be beginning to recover.
Chloe Dowling, 36, remains in an induced coma in Auckland Hospital, where she is being supported by ECMO, life support and dialysis after becoming critically ill last week .
Her cousin Breidi McStay said the family’s latest update brought a small but significant piece of good news.
“Her lungs are showing signs of being able to come back to life again, which is great,” McStay told the Herald today.
“Up until now they haven’t been working at all, so just having that little indication that they are still working is great.”
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