Nicole Born, 40-year-old New Jersey mother, dies from flu

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- The New Jersey Department of Health has confirmed that a Voorhees Township resident has died from Influenza Human Isolate - Type A.

Officials say 40-year-old Nicole Born was admitted to Virtua Hospital on January 2nd with shortness of breath and fever.

After performing some tests, doctors prescribed medications.

The next day, January 3rd, the mother of two was transported to Presbyterian University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. While in transport she was on a ventilator, officials say. On January 4th Born died.

Doctors say the influenza virus she succumbed to, H3N2, is the most common virus circulating this season. The strain is associated with higher rates of severe illness and death.

However, Born's death is highly unusual.

90% of flu related death in the United States occur in those over 65 - not an active person like Born, who loved fishing and was an accomplished athlete in high school and college.

Born's family says her entire household came down with the flu around Christmas, and the devoted mother and wife concentrated on taking care of her family instead of herself.