Young bodybuilder dies days after contracting the flu

He contracted sepsis which quickly led to organ failure

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A 21-year-old bodybuilder from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has died days after contracting the flu..

Kyle Baughman was an active gym-goer prior to falling ill with influenza and died shortly after he subsequently contracted sepsis, WXPI reports.

Baughman had been studying to be a personal trainer and had returned home for the holidays when his mother noticed he looked unwell.

According to his mother, the young student had been suffering from a mild cough and complaining of chest pains.

“He looked rundown and had a bit of a snotty nose,” she said.

At the time, he simply lay down to rest, thinking he’d be okay in a few hours and that it was just a case of the flu.

However, 48 hours later Baughman’s condition had rapidly worsened and after contracting a high fever he was promptly taken to the emergency room and subsequently airlifted to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

At hospital Baughman suffered from septic shock which led to organ failure, he died within hours of arriving.

According to his family, he had not had the influenza jab prior to getting sick.

Sepsis, also known as bloody poisoning, claims six million lives a year, according to the UK Sepsis Trust.

It occurs when the body reacts to an infection by attacking its own organs and tissues.

While it is a life-threatening condition, it can be easily treated if caught early enough.

Symptoms can be identified via the following mnemonic:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing no urine (in a day)
• Severe breathlessness
• It feels like you’re going to die
• Skin mottled or discoloured

Baughman’s parents hope that their son’s case will prompt people to seek urgent medical help if they experience any of these symptoms.