The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that the worst of the flu season is behind us. However, for one family in Ohio, the impact of the flu virus has been devastating. Their 4-year-old daughter, Locklynn, has been left in a coma due to complications from the illness, marking a life-altering event for the entire family. Brad Boler, Locklynn’s father, shared his harrowing experience, stating, “Every day, I wake up to the nightmare.”
Locklynn's health took a sudden and severe downturn after she initially contracted the flu. Her symptoms worsened dramatically when she began experiencing difficulty breathing and ultimately collapsed. In a desperate attempt to save his daughter, Boler rushed her to the nearest hospital, where medical staff were forced to perform three rounds of CPR before they were able to restore a pulse. “It was a terrifying experience,” Boler recounted, reflecting on the frantic moments that followed Locklynn's collapse.
After her initial treatment, Locklynn was transferred to another hospital, where her family received heart-wrenching news. The doctors informed them that she had suffered severe brain injuries, which would drastically affect her future. “They told us she’ll never be able to walk again. I imagine she can make noises, but not talk,” Boler explained, expressing the emotional toll this diagnosis has had on their family.
Medical professionals are increasingly concerned about the impact of the flu on children's health this season. Dr. Leah Croll, a neurologist at Maimonides Health, explained that there are various ways the flu can adversely affect the brain. “One way is through direct inflammation caused by the virus within brain tissue. Additionally, brain damage can occur due to a lack of oxygen,” she noted. According to the CDC, approximately 13% of children who died from the flu this season experienced brain damage, raising alarms about the severity of this year's outbreak.
The CDC is closely monitoring the situation, acknowledging that this year’s flu season is notably intense, leading to an unprecedented number of hospitalizations—more than any year in the past 15. Dr. Croll emphasized the importance of taking the flu seriously, stating that the organization is cautious about drawing conclusions from the data. “This is not a condition we regularly collect data about, but we are aware of the risks,” she said.
In light of their traumatic experience, Brad Boler and his family are urging other parents to be vigilant about the flu. Boler confessed that he used to underestimate the seriousness of the flu, saying, “I used to think, 'Oh, it’s just the flu. You’ll be okay.' But I’m telling you, this thing could take your baby away from you in a blink.” While the family has found some relief in the fact that Locklynn is now awake and off the ventilator, the road to recovery remains long and uncertain.
As flu season progresses, it’s crucial for families to remain informed and proactive in protecting their health. The story of Locklynn serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity of the virus, especially among children. Parents are encouraged to seek medical attention at the first signs of illness and to consider vaccination as a protective measure against this year’s aggressive flu strain.
