Flu-related myocarditis is rare but potentially fatal, as an Ohio family discovered.
Flu-related myocarditis is rare but potentially fatal, as an Ohio family discovered.
The Tragic Consequences of Flu: Abbie’s Story
Last December, during the week before winter break, 14-year-old Abbie Hauler caught the flu. Like many teenagers, she was determined to soldier on despite feeling unwell. She had tests to take before vacation started and didn’t want to miss a weekend trip to celebrate the holidays with her father’s family. Her mother, Angie Hauler, tried to persuade her to stay home and rest, but “teens can be stubborn,” she said. Little did they know that this seemingly ordinary flu would have tragic consequences.
Flu symptoms vary from person to person, but for Abbie, it started with a deep cough and chest pain. Her mother took her to an urgent care clinic in suburban Columbus, Ohio, where she tested negative for COVID-19 but positive for influenza A. The doctor assured them that her heart and lungs sounded fine and advised rest and plenty of fluids. The chest pain, he explained, was likely a result of coughing. But as the night progressed, Abbie’s condition worsened.
Unable to sleep, Abbie complained about feeling alternatingly hot and cold. She repeatedly complained about the pain in her chest. Concerned, her mother allowed her to sleep in her bed for the night. The next morning, Angie discovered something that no parent ever wants to witness – Abbie lying quietly on her side, unresponsive and not breathing. Panic set in as she called 911. The operator instructed her to perform chest compressions while waiting for help.
At the hospital, doctors revealed the heartbreaking truth – Abbie had a blood clot in her heart. Despite their best efforts during 90 minutes of resuscitation, they couldn’t save her. The medical examiner later determined that Abbie had died from viral myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle triggered by the flu.
Viral myocarditis is not only rare but also challenging to diagnose. It weakens the heart, impeding the body’s ability to receive adequate blood supply. Additionally, it can lead to the formation of blood clots, potentially causing a heart attack. Shockingly, heart complications rank as the second most common cause of flu-related deaths, which claims tens of thousands of lives in the United States annually. Viruses account for up to 70% of all cases of myocarditis.
- Summer Happiness Tips for a Happier Life
- Scientists create a universal COVID test for all species.
- Board Games Boost Kids’ Math Skills
Angie had no knowledge of these facts when Abbie fell ill. The idea that the flu could be fatal to a vibrant 14-year-old seemed unfathomable. “People get the flu all the time,” Angie said, still processing the tragedy. “It’s mind-boggling. If I had known, I would have rushed her to the hospital.”
The heartbreaking loss of her child has irrevocably changed Angie as a person. Determined to prevent others from experiencing the same devastating pain, she, along with her mother Cathi Bell, aims to raise awareness about viral myocarditis. They encourage people to familiarize themselves with the symptoms and request medical professionals to test for the condition if a child complains of chest pain. It’s essential to note that myocarditis can also occur in young people infected with COVID-19 or even after receiving certain COVID-19 vaccinations, though such cases are rare and tend to be mild.
Symptoms of myocarditis include fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, and flu-like symptoms such as headaches, body aches, joint pain, or a sore throat. Healthcare providers can diagnose myocarditis through various means, including blood tests, MRIs, chest X-rays, and echocardiograms.
Since Abbie’s passing, Bell has connected with others who have also lost loved ones to viral myocarditis. The suddenness of a healthy child’s tragic death remains inexplicable. Abbie’s absence is acutely felt by her family and friends. Angie wanted to keep Abbie a part of the milestones she would miss, so she had her cremated and some of her ashes placed inside a teddy bear. The bear, aptly named “Abbie Bear,” is adorned with her earrings and nose ring, making it feel like Abbie is still present at significant events.
“God, she loved to laugh,” Bell reminisced. Abbie was known for her wit and pranks, bringing joy wherever she went. She was a kind-hearted teenager who befriended new students and stood up against bullies at school. Her fierce protectiveness extended to her three younger siblings, particularly her sister Charli, who has autism.
Now, it is those who loved Abbie that are fiercely protective of her memory. While nothing can alleviate the pain of losing a child, keeping Abbie’s spirit alive through gestures like “Abbie Bear” offers some solace.
Angie’s heartbreaking experience serves as a reminder to all parents and caregivers that seemingly mundane illnesses, like the flu, can have grave consequences. Recognizing the symptoms of myocarditis and seeking prompt medical attention can potentially save lives. Let us remember Abbie’s story and work together to protect the health and well-being of our children.
American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved.
Related Article: Which illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection?
By Laura Williamson, American Heart Association News
