HOUSTON – What started as the flu has led to life-changing amputations for a teenage girl in Texas.
This is 13-year-old Kaydin Ruiz from Kerrville. Kaydin’s mother, Amanda Valdez, said her daughter first showed symptoms in late January.
“January 23, she started getting fever, chills and body aches,” Valdez said.
Her mom says it started as the flu, but by the end of January, her symptoms were getting worse, so they went to the ER.
“They put her on oxygen, gave her fluids, monitored her and debated sending us to San Antonio for higher care, but ultimately sent us home to hydrate,” Valdez said.
But once home, things took a turn.
“She went into respiratory distress, started turning blue,” she said. “She had strep pneumonia and septic shock and multi-organ failure.”
Kaydin was taken to a hospital in San Antonio. That’s when she was also diagnosed with strep.
“A full-blown mask forces air into lungs,” said Valdez. “Her heart was in distress, 20% working by then.”
At one point, her heart stopped.
“Devastating. Never in a million years did I think the flu B would lead to something like this,” Valdez said.
Doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital say the flu can be dangerous on its own, but combined with infections like strep, it can quickly become severe.
“Influenza is a very dangerous virus — far more severe than many people realize,” Pryor said. “Strep is also a dangerous bacteria that requires close attention,” said Dr. Howard Pryor, trauma medical director at Texas Children’s Hospital.
That combination caused organ failure and dangerous blood clots in her limbs.
“Toxins released by the bacteria can activate clotting in different parts of the body,” Pryor said.
Doctors had no choice but to amputate her legs and one arm just yesterday.
“It’s devastating. How do you tell your child that their whole world has changed?” Valdez said. “Now she’s covered in scars. Her whole life has changed.”
Despite the devastating outcome, Valdez said she is sharing her daughter’s story to raise awareness and help other families recognize the risks.
“Never in a million years did we expect this from the flu. We just want to share her story and help other people before it gets to this,” she said.
Doctors say vaccination remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of severe illness.
“We wouldn’t want parents to miss the opportunity,” Pryor said. “When flu vaccines are available, that’s the best way to protect your child from part of this risk.”
Kaydin now faces a long road to recovery, including healing, rehabilitation and eventually being fitted for prosthetics. Her family has started an online fundraiser to help cover her medical expenses.