A four-year-old girl from Ogden, Utah, tragically lost her life due to complications from the flu and a co-infection with an adenovirus. Ellie Rudd died on January 6, 2024, following a rapid decline that led to pneumonia and sepsis. Her mother, Sarah Rudd, is now sharing her story to raise awareness about the risks of the flu, particularly for young children.
Ellie was set to be buried in a light blue and white Princess Elsa costume, a final gift from her aunt. Known for her lively spirit, Ellie enjoyed mud, dressing up, and dance parties with her siblings. “She was probably my healthiest of all my kids,” Sarah recalled. “She had no medical issues. No eczema, no cavities in her teeth, nothing. She was completely healthy.” The sudden severity of Ellie’s illness has left her family in shock, as they struggle to comprehend why the flu affected her so dramatically.
This flu season has already proven deadly, with at least 17 children in the United States reported to have died from the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last year’s flu season set a record with 289 pediatric deaths, and experts warn that this year could surpass those numbers. The rise has been attributed to the emergence of a new virus strain known as subclade K, which is not covered by this year’s flu vaccines.
Flu Hits the Rudd Family Hard
The flu first made its way into the Rudd household on Christmas Day. Sarah was the initial victim, experiencing a rough bout of illness that lasted about a week. “Everybody else seemed to be just fine,” she noted. However, as the illness spread, Ellie and her siblings began to show symptoms. By New Year’s Day, Ellie, along with her siblings Mary Jane and Kyler, had fallen ill.
Despite their illness, Sarah and her husband, Michael Rudd, had not previously considered getting the flu vaccine. “Honestly, I don’t even know if it would have helped in this situation, as it seems like it might have been a different strain,” Sarah stated. This lack of vaccination has led to some painful scrutiny from others who have questioned their decisions.
Initially, Mary Jane appeared to be the most affected, with a fever reaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Sarah managed her symptoms with alternating doses of ibuprofen and Tylenol, but soon Ellie and Kyler also began to exhibit concerning signs. The situation escalated when Ellie developed a harsh cough, prompting Sarah to take her to a local hospital.
At the hospital, doctors confirmed Ellie had both the flu and adenovirus. Despite initial assessments indicating no signs of pneumonia, her condition rapidly deteriorated. Medical staff provided supplemental oxygen and antiviral medication, suggesting an overnight stay for monitoring.
Tragic Turn in Ellie’s Condition
Throughout the night, Ellie struggled with coughing and abdominal pain. By the next morning, doctors had hoped to discharge her, but her oxygen levels began to drop again. Ellie’s condition worsened dramatically when she started vomiting blood. A follow-up examination revealed that she had developed pneumonia and sepsis, leading to her urgent transfer to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.
Once there, Ellie was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life-support machine designed to take over the function of the heart and lungs. Despite medical intervention, Ellie suffered a massive stroke due to blood clots, and doctors informed the family that there was nothing more they could do. “It hit her so fast and so hard,” Sarah lamented.
Dr. Buddy Creech, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, noted that Ellie’s case, while heartbreaking, is not unique. “We talk about this a lot in pediatrics. They don’t mean to, but young children often lie to us. They look like they are doing okay until they really aren’t,” he explained. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children closely for signs of respiratory distress, lethargy, and hydration levels, as these can indicate a need for urgent medical evaluation.
As the Rudd family navigates this devastating loss, they have received overwhelming support from friends and community members. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with medical and funeral expenses. Sarah reflects on her experience, urging other parents to prioritize flu vaccinations for their children.
“Honestly, just get your flu shots,” she advises. “Even if it doesn’t work this year, maybe it could have helped her a little bit. We don’t really know.” The Rudd family plans to change their approach to flu vaccinations moving forward, seeking peace of mind in the face of such a tragic loss.