Influenza kills couple's only child

Ian Macerlich and Vanessa Parkes have spoken publicly to alert other parents to the complications of influenza which killed their teenage son, William. Picture / Martin Sykes

Just days before he died, William MacErlich kicked two goals for his Hamilton Boys High School rugby team.

A fit, healthy teenager, William is believed to have died from complications associated with the flu.

The Ministry of Health has issued warnings to parents to watch their children closely.

A keen sportsman, 16-year-old William complained of a sore throat after the game. His mother, Vanessa Parkes, stocked him up with throat lozenges and painkillers before dropping him back at the boarding hostel.

Ms Parkes asked the matron to keep an eye on him and drove back to the family's home in Thames.

By Monday, William - Willi to his mates - was no better and visited a doctor. Ms Parkes drove back to Hamilton and brought him home. The teenager had been given antibiotics for a chest infection, and had swollen glands.

Over the next 24 hours his condition worsened. He had a fever and was lethargic.

"He was having trouble breathing and was doing inhalations with Vicks. He just looked terrible, green or something," Ms Parkes said.

"As I was on the phone to the emergency doctor he slumped in my arms. I think that is when he died."

Ms Parkes and her husband, Ian MacErlich, have spoken out about their only child's death to highlight the need for parents to be watchful when children are sick and to seek medical help if they have doubts.

"He didn't look well but he didn't look desperate until the end."

The ministry has also warned parents to watch children with the flu closely to prevent them developing complications such as ear infections or pneumonia.

Nearly two weeks ago, Masterton schoolboy Matthew Campbell died after suffering flu-like symptoms and what was thought to be pneumonia.

Director of Public Health Mark Jacobs said the present rate of influenza was higher than at the same time last year, and tests had confirmed B viruses were dominant.

"People who were vaccinated last year are likely to have some remaining protection against the B Hong Kong strain," Dr Jacobs said.

"It's possible children may not have been exposed to this particular influenza B strain, which is why there has been such an impact in various schools around the country."

Waikato public health physician Anita Bell said it was unusual for young people to die from secondary complications allied with influenza.

Ms Parkes said William, a representative cricket player for Northern Districts, was outgoing but humble.

"He was very fair-minded ... One young guy said to us if you weren't playing by the rules with William, the game stopped."