The mother of a Kenosha woman who died Jan. 2 from complications associated with the flu is urging people with flu-like symptoms to go to the doctor.

Katherine "Katie" McQuestion, 26, died Jan. 2. Kenosha County Health Officer Cynthia Johnson confirmed Saturday that McQuestion's death certificate indicates she had the flu, which led to sepsis and a heart attack.

"Don't hesitate to go in," said McQuestion's mother, who did not want to be identified by name. "It happened so fast. We are still trying to get our arms around this whole thing."

Johnson agreed, saying anyone with flu-like symptoms should contact their doctor.

She said antiviral medications, if taken at the onset of symptoms, within 24 to 48 hours, can significantly reduce both the time and the severity of the flu.

McQuestion, a Bradford High School and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduate, worked at St. Catherine's Medical Center in Pleasant Prairie as a radiology technician. As a result of her position, she was required to get a flu shot.

"She was the picture of health," her mother said, adding that McQuestion did not have any underlying conditions that would make fighting an infection particularly difficult. "She was just married in September."

McQuestion had been feeling ill for a few days with flu-like symptoms. She had general aches and pains, chills, a tight feeling in her chest, was coughing and vomiting and had headaches. However, she did not have a high fever.

"Katie had a low fever — 97 degrees," her mother said. "But she was progressively getting worse. Her husband took her into the emergency room on New Year's Day."

McQuestion was admitted to St. Catherine's Medical Center at about 7:30 p.m., and by 11 p.m. was being transferred to intensive care.

"Things got worse very quickly," her mother said. "I hope by sharing her story it will help bring about a general awareness and prevent someone else from having to go through this indescribable grief. Katie loved what she did. She wanted to help people."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the flu vaccine is not as effective this season due to a mutation in the flu strain. The most common strain of the virus reported this season is influenza A (H3N2). In the past, this strain has been linked to higher rates of hospitalization and death.

However, health officials are still recommending people get the flu shot. The vaccine can decrease the severity of illness caused by the virus and protect against other strains, said Dr. Salman Noor, an infectious disease specialist with United Hospital System.

"It does provide some level of protection for most," Johnson said, noting that the elderly and pregnant women are more susceptible to the flu.

At St. Catherine's and Kenosha medical centers, nearly 90 people have been hospitalized for influenza this season. Within the Aurora Health Care system in Kenosha, 259 people have had positive tests for influenza.

Symptoms of the H3N2 flu virus

Runny nose

Sore throat

Aching muscles

Headache

Cough

Nasal congestion

Malaise

Fever

Watery eyes

Aching joints

Sore throat

Aching body

Chills

Fatigue

Red eyes

Red skin

Red nose

Red throat

Loss of appetite

Weakness