A Texas teenager who contracted influenza B and a severe strep infection has had three of her limbs amputated. Her family is sharing her story to raise awareness of the potential dangers of flu, which they say can be far more severe than many realise.
Kaydin Ruiz, 13, first displayed flu-like symptoms in January, including fever, cough and fatigue. She was taken to hospital but sent home to rest. Her condition rapidly worsened: she experienced respiratory distress, turned blue, and was diagnosed with strep, pneumonia, septic shock and multi-organ failure.
Rushed by airlift to a hospital in San Antonio, Kaydin was put on a ventilator and suffered a cardiac arrest. According to Dr Howard Pryor of Texas Children’s Hospital, toxins released by the strep bacteria can activate clotting in different parts of the body, leading to loss of limb function and organ failure.
Doctors decided to amputate both of her legs and one of her arms. Her mother, Amanda Valdez, said: 'Never in a million years did I think the flu B would lead to something like this.' She described the event as devastating and said her daughter's life has changed completely.
The family hopes to highlight the serious risks of seemingly mild illnesses and encourage vaccination. Dr Pryor noted that the flu vaccine is the best way to protect children from part of the risk. A GoFundMe page for medical costs has raised nearly $25,000, describing Kaydin as a fighter who loves anime, plays the French horn, and enjoys ramen.
