 | | Just nine days after Caroline high-fived the First Lady she was rushed to the hospital with swine flu. | |
 | | Caroline was dehydrated, had a high fever, and had trouble breathing. | |
 | | On the left are healthy lungs, on the right are lungs infected with the H1N1 virus. | |
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Just nine days after 9-year-old Caroline high-fived the First Lady after running an obstacle course with her, she was rushed to the hospital with swine flu.
Caroline’s parents told INSIDE EDITION that she had a high fever, was dehydrated, and couldn’t breathe. Caroline said she was terrified: "I couldn’t feel my feet and my legs were burning up…I just really wasn't feeling well and my hands were tingly."
Pediatric units across the country are overwhelmed with children coming in infected with H1N1. When INSIDE EDITION visited a hospital outside of Baltimore, we were given surgical masks and gloves to protect ourselves.
Dr. Elizabeth Olivera says parents should keep a close watch on children with underlying medical conditions. For example, a child with asthma is more at risk for complications with swine flu.
Doctors say as a parent, the things you should be most concerned about is the child who is not able to drink, unable to keep things down, someone who is becoming dehydrated or is developing rapid breathing. Any of these symptoms may require a trip to the emergency room.
As for Caroline, she won't be running with the First Lady anytime soon.
Caroline's mom would advise other parents to "stay on top of it…don't underestimate how quickly it can progress, particularly in children" if your child gets the flu.
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