A Texas teen lost three limbs after flu complications and a strep infection led to septic shock, highlighting risks doctors say many families overlook.
A 13-year-old girl from Kerrville is fighting for her life after what her family initially believed was the flu quickly turned into a severe, life-threatening illness that caused organ failure and led to the amputation of three of her limbs.
Kaydin Ruiz is now being treated at Texas Children’s Hospital, where her family hopes her story will serve as a warning to others.
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.
What seemed like a common illness rapidly worsened. By the end of the month, Kaydin’s condition had deteriorated enough to require a trip to the her local emergency room, where she received oxygen and fluids before being sent home.
“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.
After returning home, Valdez said her daughter’s condition took a sudden and alarming turn.
“She went into respiratory distress, started turning blue,” she said. “She had strep pneumonia and septic shock and multi-organ failure.”
Kaydin was rushed to a hospital in San Antonio, where doctors diagnosed her with a severe strep infection in addition to the flu. Valdez said her daughter’s heart function dropped significantly.
“She was on a full mask forcing air into her lungs. Her heart was in distress — about 20% function at that point,” she said.
At one point, Kaydin’s heart stopped, and doctors had to resuscitate her.
“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 say while the flu can be dangerous on its own, it becomes far more serious when combined with infections like strep.
Dr. Howard Pryor said both illnesses can be severe individually.
“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.”
He explained that toxins from the bacterial infection can trigger dangerous complications in the body.
“Toxins released by the bacteria can activate clotting in different parts of the body,” Pryor said.
Those complications led to organ failure and severe blood clotting in Kaydin’s limbs. Doctors ultimately had to amputate both of her legs and one arm.
“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 medical expenses.
