Meet the "Faces" of Influenza

Ed Barnhart: Father, Husband, School Counselor

Ed Barnhart, 57, a school counselor in Topeka, KS, contracted influenza and was told by doctors that he had less than a 10 percent chance to live. His temperature hit 106; his lungs were filled with fluid; and his heart was beating dangerously fast. He'd contracted staph, strep throat and pneumonia. Barnhart spent five and a half weeks drifting in and out of consciousness, fighting for his life. Ed's recovery was a long process, but he is now back at work. However, there is one new activity he's added to his schedule as the school year begins - getting a flu shot.

Heidi Kinsella: Mother of 2, Wife, and School Teacher

Heidi takes care of many children, and not just her own. In addition to being a mom to 2 young girls, and another child on the way, Heidi also is a special education teacher in Denver, CO. Being in close contact with so many children every day, Heidi knows that germs and viruses can spread easily among kids and even to their friends, families, and others. That's why she makes getting vaccinated against influenza a priority for herself and her family every year. Vaccination is safe and effective, and the best way to help prevent influenza and its complications. Heidi also encourages other families to help protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated every year.

Ed and Heidi are both working with the American Lung Association's Faces of Influenza campaign to encourage annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. To read additional stories, visit www.facesofinfluenza.org.

About Faces of Influenza:

The Faces of Influenza campaign, which includes expanded awareness initiatives nationally and in many major cities, supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) universal influenza immunization recommendation to vaccinate everyone 6 months of age and older.

Celebrities, health officials and everyday people have joined the Faces of Influenza campaign, sharing personal stories about their experiences with the disease and encouraging annual influenza vaccination.

The Lung Association is working with families across the country who have lost loved ones to influenza. These parents, as well as others involved in the program, have joined the Faces of Influenza campaign to help prevent the tragedies they experienced from happening to other families. More information is available at www.facesofinfluenza.org.

Learn more about flu prevention and why teachers should get vaccinated.

Brought to you by the American Lung Association.

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.