MADERA, Calif. (FOX26) — A mother is issuing a stark warning to parents after her 16-year-old daughter was hospitalized with severe complications from the flu, exacerbated by vaping.
Janica Mendenhall’s daughter, who initially showed flu-like symptoms in December, quickly worsened and is now on life support.
“It’s so scary when you’re watching your baby not be able to talk to you, not be able to move,” Mendenhall said.
After noticing her daughter’s persistent cough, Mendenhall took her to a clinic, which led to an urgent hospital visit.
“Within a couple of days she was intubated,” Mendenhall said. “They needed to put the ECMO machine on her.”
Janica Mendenhall’s daughter, who initially showed flu-like symptoms in December, quickly worsened and is now on life support (PHOTO:{ }JANICA MENDENHALL).
Doctors discovered “pockets,” or holes, in the teenager’s lungs, attributed to vaping.
“You can see the circles of where the holes are in her lungs,” Mendenhall said.
Mendenhall said the bacteria from the flu got stuck in these pockets.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly six percent of students used e-cigarettes in 2024, making them the most common tobacco product among middle and high school students.
Mendenhall hopes her daughter’s story will serve as a wake-up call.
“She’s on life support and then she might need lung transplant,” Mendenhall said. “She might die.”
Doctors discovered “pockets,” or holes, in the teenager’s lungs, attributed to vaping (PHOTO: JANICA MENDENHALL).
Despite the dire situation, Mendenhall remains hopeful.
“She’s still in there ‘Keep fighting baby, you’re so strong, you’re rock star,” Mendenhall said. “I’m not giving up on her.”
She revealed her daughter had been vaping for a year, highlighting how quickly the effects can manifest.
Mendenhall is asking for prayers and, for those willing, donations for gas or food delivery to support her while she remains at the hospital.
If you are interested in donating, you can cashapp the username: $Jananna2021 or scan the QR code below.
If you are interested in donating, you can cashapp the username: $Jananna2021 or scan the QR code.
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