Swine Flu Survivor Goes Home

Swine Flu Bayou La Batre After a month-long battle with swine flu a 9-year old Coden girl gets to leave the hospital.

by Tiffany Craig

Published: Fri, September 18, 2009 - 4:29 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, September 18, 2009 - 4:33 pm CST

BAYOU LA BATRE, Alabama - A 9-year old swine flu survivor is back at home after a month in the hospital.

We first told you about Shelby John on Tuesday. She's the 3rd grader from Coden who caught the swine flu in August. When the flu combined with her asthma, Shelby ended up on life support for weeks.

The 3rd grader was released from USA Children's and Women's Hospital on Thursday night and is thankful to be home. Shelby's family believes she's a miracle.

Unfortunately, the stigma of the swine flu has followed Shelby home.

Courtney John says people are staring at her daughter. "I've noticed when I've taken her out a couple of times today that people have recognized her and kind of standoffish because they're afraid that she's contagious but she's not contagious no more."

Family friends are planning a fundraiser to help pay for some of Shelby's medical bills that insurance won't cover. It's October 1-th from 9-to-5 at the Bayou La Batre Community Center. You can also make a donation to the "Shelby Rose John Fund" at any Regions Bank.

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minimay87 Says:

Sun, Sep 20, 2009 at 1:09 pm

It is so sad that people can be as closed minded as to treat her as if she is a plague. I am glad that she hung in there and pulled through. It takes strength and courage.