Little girl, 5, temporarily paralysed from waist down after mum spots odd flu symptom

A five year old girl experienced temporary paralysis due to a rare complication of the flu, which her mother, Kota, initially detected when she observed her tiptoeing. Following a bout of flu, Aurora Burden-Schott complained of muscle pains, prompting Kota to seek advice from a paediatrician.

Initially, the recommendation was for Aurora to stay hydrated; however, when she awoke from a nap with no movement in the lower half of her legs, Kota immediately took her to the hospital. Aurora spent three days in the hospital receiving fluid treatment and regained her ability to walk after two days, having contracted rhabdomyolysis, a serious complication of the flu.

This condition occurs when damaged muscles release proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. Aurora is currently recovering her strength, and Kota aims to raise awareness about the symptoms of this potentially life-threatening condition.

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Kota, a nail technician from Lima, Ohio, US, recalled: “She was struggling walking and complaining of really bad leg pain. I noticed she was tiptoeing around. She was having so much pain in her legs and couldn’t lay her foot flat. “

Aurora contracted influenza A in late January 2025. Kota described the progression of symptoms: “The symptoms first started as typical flu. She had nausea and vomiting and headaches. It lasted for four days. We had two days where it seemed her symptoms were alleviating. I thought we were at the tail end. “

Aurora began experiencing muscle pain and her mum, Kota, quickly sought medical advice. The pediatrician suggested keeping her hydrated and, if the pain persisted, to take her to the hospital. Kota recounted the alarming events: “Later on we had taken a little nap and when woke up that’s when she was unable to use her legs. “

The reality of the situation was daunting, as Kota described: “She had no motion in the bottom half of her body. ” Kota noted Aurora’s inability to move, stating, “She couldn’t wiggle her toes. ” Describing her fear, Kota said, “It was really scary. “

It appeared the young child was losing control of her lower body: “It was almost as if she was paralyzed from the waist down. ” Aurora even expressed how heavy her legs felt.

In the emergency room, tests including blood work and an X-ray revealed dangerously high muscle enzyme levels, leading to a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis, a severe flu complication where muscles begin to break down. Explaining the situation, Kota said, “The virus is attacking the muscles and they deteriorate.

Thankfully, after IV treatment and hospital monitoring, Aurora gained back some mobility. Kota said: “After the end of the first day she was bale to get some movement in her legs. She was able to walk after the second. “

She returned home just three days later. Doctors speculated that her recent tonsillectomy, adenoid removal, and ear tube placement might have weakened her immune system, increasing vulnerability to complications like rhabdomyolysis.

Kota reflected on what could have been a tragic outcome, “It could have caused some pretty serious permanent damage. “

But fortunately, Aurora is on the mend and Kota is now on a mission to raise awareness, urging folks not to dismiss muscle aches as they are a typical sign of the flu. She stressed: “I’m glad I trusted my gut and realized something wasn’t right. People assume kids are going to have muscle aches when they get the flu. “

Source: Mirror