Girl, 9, begins tenuous recovery from flu

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A Beech Grove girl is claiming victory over the virus that sent her to the hospital last week.

Caitlyn Bowser, 9, looked like a picture of health at her Girl Scout meeting Thursday night. But just a week ago, she was flat on her back at St. Francis Hospital. Everyone around her had to suit up in masks and gowns.

Bowser's flu had turned into pneumonia and she was finally released last Friday night. Her mother, Tamara Bowser, said the secret to Caitlyn's recovery was rest and a lot of antibiotics.

Over the course of her hospital stay, Caitlyn was prescribed five antibiotics. She's still not fully recovered. Her mother said she is about 80 percent.

Caitlyn has gone back to school, but tires easily. She'll be undergoing further tests and seeing doctors for the foreseeable future.

"We have follow-up labs tomorrow, a possible chest x-ray Monday or Tuesday to make sure everything is cleared up," she said. "And we'll be visiting a pulmonologist at Riley next week."

Thursday, Caitlyn attended her first after school activity since her hospitalization. She's getting stronger, but there's a long road ahead.

Caitlyn has had pneumonia in the past and mononucleosis. Her mother said she could have asthma, which would put her at higher risk for contracting H1N1.