Shannon shares her daughter, Audrey’s, experience of influenza encephalitis

In February of 2020, at 4 years old, Audrey came down with a viral illness; fever, mild congestion, and cough, which progressed to a worsening fever, vomiting, and lethargy. Her paediatrician was concerned about the prospect of pneumonia and sent us to the local emergency room (ER). Originally, we were told “She’ll be fine and running around in 2 days” and were sent home. By the next morning (less than 12 hours later), Audrey’s lethargy and vomiting had continued to the point that she was completely obtunded, nonverbal, and exhibiting rapid eye movements mimicking seizures. We rushed back to the ER via ambulance where she received a full workup (CT, lumbar puncture, EEG, MRI, etc). She was diagnosed with influenza B encephalitis.

After diagnosis, she was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit. She required high-dose pulse steroids, sedation (to battle the fits and allow her to rest physically), IVIG, and an experimental, adult dosage of antiviral treatment. Initially, the doctors weren’t sure how much function she would gain back, but slowly we watched her re-experience all her infant milestones. First, she could track, then reach for things, and then I was cleared to feed her so she could have her feeding tube removed. After that more gross motor skills came: crawling, kneeling, standing, and finally walking.

The original plan was for her to attend in-patient rehab, but the COVID-19 pandemic hit. So, most of her therapies ended up being remote via Zoom. Despite the challenges, and thanks to her incredible therapists, Audrey has gained almost complete function.

Where she is now

Audrey still receives occupational therapy to battle an underlying hand tremor and weakness. However, she has graduated from both physical and speech and language therapy and is an avid dancer and performer. She just finished 3rd grade and is moving into 4th, and she is meeting all academic grade expectations with the help of her education 504 plan.

She now wants to be an occupational therapist when she grows up, to help others like her. We are incredibly proud of Audrey and all that she has overcome.

(Story told by mum Shannon, published in June 2024)