Kay was hit with Influenza A!
All flu season, I had been trying to get both of us the flu shot, but something always got in the way. First, her pediatrician ran out and had to order more. By the time they restocked, Kay ended up in the hospital with norovirus. After that, I wanted to make sure she was completely back to normal before getting the flu shot, but she seemed a little stuffy, and I hesitated, thinking it might make things worse. Looking back, I should have known—having a pre-K-aged child means she’s basically always got a stuffy nose.
Thursday morning, she woke up miserable. The moment I picked her up, I could feel the heat radiating off her—she had a fever. Sure enough, the thermometer confirmed it: 100 degrees. I kept her home from school and gave her medicine, but she was still so lethargic, her eyes glassy. When Kay willingly stays still, you know she’s not feeling well.
By Friday, I decided to call her pediatrician, and they got us in for an appointment. The doctor thought it could just be a sinus infection but offered to test for the flu if I wanted. I figured it was best to know for sure—maybe then we’d have an answer and a way to help her feel better. Sure enough, the test came back positive for Flu A, and she was prescribed medicine to help with the symptoms. Thankfully, I started noticing a difference quickly, and she’s been getting back to her usual self.
But in the middle of all that, she was barely eating—which meant she was barely getting any insulin. That’s dangerous because it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). I checked her ketones, and they were at 1.8. Any higher, and we could have been heading to the hospital for a glucose IV drip to get her the sugar and insulin she needed to clear them. Sickness is always tricky with Type 1 Diabetes, and things can become serious fast.
Thankfully, she started eating again, and we were able to get her insulin back on track—no more ketones! We’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and I think the worst of this is behind us.
You and Kay are quite a pair. She is oh so cute. But diabetes too. I work with the Adult disabled at a day program. A very fun filled place. Take care