THE parents of a baby boy who believed their son was a victim of cot death have been told he was killed by the flu.
Charlie Colton was found lifeless in his cot at his Bransholme home in March – just weeks after his first birthday.
Although the 13-month-old was noticeably a little unwell on the day of his death, his parents Laura and Steve had put it down to teething.
However, detailed tests have now concluded Charlie died as a result of influenza A, commonly known as the flu, and an Adenovirus infection.
Mr Colton, 33, said the results came as a shock because Charlie had not shown any classic flu symptoms. However, he said they are relieved to finally have conclusive answers as to why their son died.
Mr Colton, of Borthwick Close, said: "It was a shock to hear but at least we now have answers and it's not just put down to cot death. We've not been told how he caught it but with it being the time of year and him being so young, we believe you are more open to flu at a vulnerable age."
The young have a greater risk of being infected with flu because they have not developed immunity to the virus. However, deaths in children are rare compared with the number of people aged 65 and older.
Currently, babies Charlie's age are not offered a flu vaccination, unless they have existing medical conditions.
The day of Charlie's death, on March 3, had been much like any other Monday for the family.
Mr Colton, a chef at Zachariah Pearson, in Beverley Road, Hull, had gone to work and full-time mum Mrs Colton was enjoying time with Charlie and his two-year-old brother, Jack, at home.
Mrs Colton said Charlie seemed to have a bit of a cold. However he ate his dinner as normal and went to bed at 6pm. But at about 11.30pm, when Mrs Colton went to check on him, he was unresponsive.
As previously reported in the Mail, both his parents did everything they could to save him, performing CPR until paramedics arrived.
But, despite doctors working on Charlie for more than an hour at Hull Royal Infirmary, he could not be saved.
A post-mortem examination initially proved inconclusive, with no underlying health conditions detected, including heart problems or a brain aneurysm.
However, after a three-month wait for more detailed tests, results have this week concluded he was killed by the flu.
Mr Colton said his family are coping as best they can, trying to keep things normal for Jack.
He said: "We're slowly getting some normality back in our lives.
"We want to keep things as normal as we can for Jack.
"That's the final result, so there will be no inquest."
Just days before Charlie died, he had taken his first steps and had learned to say "Dada".
He will be remembered by all who knew him as a joyful, happy little boy who lived up to his "Cheeky Charlie" name.
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