A Texas family is devastated after their teenage daughter suffered life-altering complications following what initially appeared to be a common flu.
Kaydin Ruiz, 13, became ill with typical flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and body aches. But her condition rapidly worsened with days, her mother, Amanda Valdez, told Washington news broadcast KREM 2 News.
After being sent home from the emergency room (ER) with instructions to hydrate, Ruiz’s health took a sudden turn with severe breathing difficulties and turning blue, prompting an emergency return for care.
Later, doctors at a hospital in San Antonio determined she had developed a serious secondary infection - strep pneumonia - which led to septic shock and multiple organ failure.
At one point, her heart function dropped significantly and stopped, Valdez said. “Never in a million years did I think that a flu B would lead to something like this.”
Doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital, where Ruiz is being treated, said the flu can be dangerous on its own, but when combined with infections like strep, it can become quickly severe.
According to medical experts, toxins released by the infection lead to blood clotting in the wrong areas.
Physicians ultimately had to amputate both of her legs and one arm in order to save her life.
“How do you tell your kid that, for one now, she’s covered in scars, and her whole life has changed,” a teary-eyed Valdez said.
Now the family wants to spread her story, hoping their daughter’s experience raises awareness.
What is the flu?
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) , the flu, also known as influenza, is a respiratory infection caused primarily by influenza A and B viruses.
Most common symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, muscle pain and stiffness with most people’s recovery period spanning a week to 10 days.
However, others are at greater risk of further complications, such as pneumonia.
“Influenza infection can also worsen certain chronic conditions and increase the risk of cardiovascular events,” the health agency said.
PHAC recommends adults and children aged nine and older should receive one dose of influenza vaccine each year.