Flu killed boy, 5

A five-year-old Oldham boy died suddenly after catching the flu, an inquest has heard.

Saquib Usmani, from Palmer Street, died on Sunday, February 15, while he and his family were staying with friends in Milton Keynes.

The inquest heard he was feeling poorly the day before and his parents gave him Calpol, put him to bed and checked on him during the night.

The following morning he was found cold and not breathing. He was confirmed dead by paramedics at 9.15am.

Consultant paediatric pathologist Dr Colene Bowker, who carried out a post-mortem examination, said he died of a common strain of influenza which caused a build up of fluid in his lungs.

He may have been more susceptible as he was suspected to have a circulatory disease and connective tissue disorder.

“It is every parent’s worst nightmare,” she said. “The risk is probably one in a million, it is so rare, but it still can happen.”

Coroner Rodney Corner gave a verdict that Saquib died of natural causes.