At a Glance
- Paul Kim, a Catholic influencer, shares that his 5-year-old son died from a severe flu.
- Micah passed on New Year’s Eve after 11 days of fighting the illness.
- Kim’s posts have been viewed more than 50 million times since the hospitalization.
- Why it matters: The story illustrates the human toll of the U.S. flu surge on children.
Paul Kim, a Catholic influencer with over 300,000 Instagram followers, posted a heartbreaking video on Thursday announcing that his 5-year-old son Micah had died from a severe case of the flu. Micah had been hospitalized after a medical emergency on Dec. 21 and spent 11 days fighting the illness before passing on New Year’s Eve. Kim’s updates, which have been viewed more than 50 million times, underscore the personal toll of this year’s flu surge.
Timeline of Micah’s Illness
On Dec. 21, Kim posted that Micah was being taken to the hospital in an ambulance after a medical emergency. The following day, he shared that Micah was on life support and asked for prayers. By Dec. 30, Kim revealed that a severe flu had caused sepsis and seizures, a rare and horrific case according to doctors.
- Dec. 21: Ambulance transport to hospital after medical emergency.
- Dec. 22: Micah on life support; prayers requested.
- Dec. 30: Severe flu led to sepsis and seizures; doctors called it a rare case.
Public Response and Personal Reflections
Kim said he and his family were grateful for the prayers and support, describing the experience as the hardest thing he has ever gone through. He also asked for privacy and reflected that Micah’s soul was already with the Lord, emphasizing his duty to fight for his son until he passed. The video and posts have drawn attention to the impact of flu on children and the need for vigilance.
Paul Kim stated:
> “We are so proud of him. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, as his dad, on behalf of my family, for all the ways you guys prayed and lifted us up during this time.”
Paul Kim continued:
> “This incredibly difficult, impossible time for our family. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever been through in my life, and it continues to be.”
Paul Kim added:
> “Rest assured, he needs a miracle.”
Paul Kim reflected:
> “In many ways, we were fighting for Micah to buy him as much time as possible, until he passed.”
Paul Kim added:
> “Even if in God’s ultimate will it wasn’t meant for him to recover.”
Paul Kim remarked:
> “Micah is already in heaven at work, seriously.”
Paul Kim concluded:
> “So many testimonies, so many ways in which God is using the light in my 5-year-old to truly save souls and change the world.”
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Flu deaths this season | 3,100 |
| Children deaths this season | 5 |
The 5-year-old’s death comes as the flu continues to surge across the U.S., with young children particularly hard hit. CDC data report roughly 3,100 deaths this season, including five children.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Kim’s announcement highlights the severe impact of the flu on children.
- Micah’s death followed an 11-day battle with a rare, severe flu case.
- The U.S. flu surge has claimed over 3,000 lives, including five children.
The story underscores the urgent need for awareness and support as the flu season persists.
