Flu survivor shares near-death experience as doctors recommend vaccination before flu season begins

EAST NORTHPORT, N.Y. (WABC) — What Frank Bosco thought was a routine cold turned into a life-threatening battle with the flu that left him hospitalized for months and a stark reminder of the risks of a serious flu.

“I thought it was just a common cold,” Bosco said.

Bosco, 63, of East Northport, contracted the flu during the previous flu season and nearly died, according to Northwell Health officials. He spent 116 days in three Northwell hospitals, at one point requiring dialysis and being placed on a lung transplant list.

His wife, Theresa Bosco, said the ordeal took a toll on the family.

“I took four months off from my job so I could be with him,” she said through tears.

The Boscos said they hope their experience highlights the dangers of the flu and not being vaccinated. Both said they had never been vaccinated against the flu.

“I’ve never had the flu, knock on wood. So I thought, you know, I thought it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” Theresa Bosco said.

“I really didn’t believe it,” added Frank Bosco.

Doctors at North Shore University Hospital said flu season has already started, with 10 people hospitalized so far. Although flu vaccines don’t prevent all infections, doctors say they can reduce the risk of serious illness and death.

“Don’t let this happen with the flu. Every American over 6 months old should get a flu vaccine every year,” said Dr. Bruce Farber, Northwell’s chief of epidemiology.

Health officials also said analysis of thousands of samples indicates flu activity began earlier in the region this year, making vaccination especially important now.

“The flu is going to peak around the holidays this year. That’s a good two months earlier than the last two years,” said Dr. Dwayne Breining of Northwell Lab Services.

Doctors noted that flu viruses can mutate and that a new mRNA-based flu vaccine could adapt more quickly and better match circulating strains. However, they said the vaccine may have greater side effects and is not yet widely available.

For Frank Bosco, the message is simple.

“You don’t want to get sick like me. It’s very, very difficult to come back. I was lucky to come back,” he said.

Bosco recently celebrated his son’s wedding after recovering from his illness, an outcome his family once feared.

“They didn’t think he would make it on Valentine’s Day,” Theresa Bosco said.

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