A tragic case in Ogden, Utah, has sparked a renewed conversation about the importance of flu vaccinations. Four-year-old Ellie Rudd died on January 6, 2023, after complications from the flu, including pneumonia and sepsis. Her mother, Sarah Rudd, is now sharing their story to encourage other parents to consider getting their children vaccinated against the flu.
Ellie, described by her mother as a healthy and energetic child, succumbed to the virus after experiencing a rapid decline in her health. According to Sarah Rudd, “She was probably my healthiest of all my kids. She had no medical issues. No eczema, no cavities in her teeth, nothing.” The family faced the flu outbreak during the holiday season, which led to a series of illnesses that initially seemed manageable.
The flu first hit the Rudd household on Christmas Day. Sarah was the first to fall ill, followed by her husband, Michael Rudd, and their children. Despite showing symptoms, the family did not get vaccinated against the flu, a decision that would weigh heavily on them as Ellie’s condition worsened.
17 children have died from the flu in the United States this season, a statistic that is expected to rise as more reports are gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last year’s flu season saw a record 289 pediatric deaths, and health experts warn that this year’s outbreak could be even more severe.
Rapid Deterioration of Health
Ellie’s health took a turn for the worse just after New Year’s Day. Initially, her older sister, Mary Jane, displayed the most severe symptoms, but Ellie soon followed suit. Sarah recalls, “Neither Michael nor I have ever had the flu shot before, and so we just don’t think about getting it.” After experiencing alarming symptoms, Ellie was taken to a local hospital where she tested positive for both the flu and an adenovirus.
Despite being treated with antiviral medication and oxygen support, Ellie’s condition deteriorated rapidly. She began experiencing abdominal pain, and the medical staff soon discovered that she was bleeding internally. An X-ray revealed that she had developed pneumonia overnight, leading to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
The family was forced to transfer Ellie to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City for specialized care. She was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life-support system that takes over the functions of the heart and lungs. Tragically, after hours of treatment, Ellie suffered a massive stroke, leading to her untimely death.
A Call for Awareness
Sarah Rudd’s heartfelt message to other parents is clear: vaccinate your children against the flu. “Honestly, just get your flu shots,” she urges, emphasizing that while the current vaccines may not cover every strain, they could still provide some protection. The family is now reconsidering their stance on flu vaccinations for future seasons.
Dr. Buddy Creech, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, echoes the Rudd family’s experience, noting that children often appear healthy until their condition rapidly declines. He advises parents to monitor their children for signs of respiratory distress and dehydration, which can signal the need for urgent medical attention.
While the Rudds navigate their grief and the challenges of daily life without Ellie, they have received support from family and friends. A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover medical and funeral expenses, and the family is endeavoring to find solace in their memories of Ellie.
As the flu season continues, the Rudd family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vaccinations and vigilant health monitoring for children.
