This is my 12-year-old daughter, Emily. Recently, vaccines became available for her age group, and I thought I had time to prioritize it. I was also a bit scared, to be honest. We’ve been living as if the “war is over,” so I thought there was no rush.
I sent her to a youth camp, and she returned home on July 1st with some nasal congestion. I didn’t think much of it at first; I assumed it was just allergies from being outdoors. However, when she still felt unwell on July 5th, I decided to take her to the doctor to rule out a sinus infection before the workweek began. At that visit, they administered a PCR COVID test, and while waiting for results, we learned that the camp she attended had to cancel future sessions due to a COVID outbreak the prior week. My stomach dropped, and 45 minutes later, the results confirmed my worst fears: Emily tested positive for COVID.
Initially, her symptoms were mild, mainly a lack of appetite, nasal congestion, and fatigue. But on July 9th, everything changed when her fever spiked to an alarming 104.6°F, leading us to urgent care. She was incredibly sick, experiencing vomiting and near-fainting spells. After tests, we were informed she had pneumonia in her lower left lung and reactive airway disease. We received antibiotics, an albuterol inhaler, and oral steroids. I believed her rapid decline was due to bacterial pneumonia stemming from her COVID diagnosis.
In the following days, her fever fluctuated between 100°F and 101°F. Although she still lacked appetite and energy, I tried to be patient, knowing pneumonia can take a toll on the body, especially when paired with COVID. Then, on the morning of July 14th, Emily approached me, panting and hunched over. She wanted breakfast but could barely catch her breath. In a moment of frustration, I told her not to be dramatic or I would call for an ambulance. Four hours later, I realized just how serious her condition was.
After a light breakfast, we returned to her bed, and I encouraged her to use her inhaler more. That day, however, her condition still didn’t feel right. Consulting the discharge papers from July 5th, I noted she should have been fever-free after 3-4 days of antibiotics. We rushed back to urgent care.
Upon checking in, I disclosed her COVID status, and they prepared to have us wait in the car. However, they took a precautionary pulse oximeter reading first, revealing her heart rate was at 135 bpm and her oxygen saturation was only at 82%. The receptionist immediately summoned a nurse, and my daughter was given oxygen while EMS was called. At that moment, I lost my composure. It was a gut-wrenching, sob-filled experience. Emily was so brave, yet I felt utterly helpless and foolish.
She had to ride in the ambulance alone while I drove frantically behind, tears streaming down my face. When I arrived at the ER, Emily was already receiving care from two nurses and a physician. The doctor made it clear that if Emily had been vaccinated, she wouldn’t be struggling for breath and relying on oxygen to keep her stats stable. Her breathing rate was 32 breaths per minute. I could see the exhaustion and frustration in the healthcare workers’ eyes, and I finally understood their emotions.
All my concerns about the vaccine faded away, replaced with anxiety over whether she had a pulmonary embolism and which hospital we might be transferred to. I felt faint and kept texting my mom to pray, not wanting to fully reveal how dire the situation felt. I later learned they were considering transferring her to a hospital far away. Thankfully, her blood work ruled out any clots, and we secured the last PICU room in Springfield, which I can only attribute to divine intervention.
Now, after my unwanted education about COVID, I urge everyone to reconsider their stance on the virus. For those who still believe COVID isn’t real or think the pandemic is over, here are some realities from our time in the PICU:
- There are no visitors allowed in isolation units, and you will have to manage your child’s medical needs alone.
- Nurses wear full PPE every time they enter your room. Prepare a list of needs for when they come to check vitals.
- Expect anxiety from your child due to the constant alarms and distressing sounds in the hospital.
- Be ready to assist your child with bathing and using the restroom, as they may be too weak to do so.
- Bring your own supplies like pillows and blankets to make the recliner more comfortable—nurses are focused on patients, not parents.
- An eye mask can help you sleep while monitoring your child’s stats throughout the night.
- Emotional and physical isolation is part of the experience, and you’ll likely feel overwhelmed at times.
- Your child may exhibit frustration and sadness due to their condition, which requires understanding and patience.
- Expect your trash and laundry to be handled in a way that maintains isolation protocols.
Emily loves Jesus and is just a child. I make decisions for her, and on July 14th, it didn’t matter what my political beliefs were; what mattered was that I had chosen not to vaccinate her. She faced a severe battle with COVID that could have been avoided. It pains me to think I gave her an unnecessary risk.
We live in a county where COVID statistics are alarming, and I fear the epidemic is far from over. With the fall semester approaching, I worry about unmasked social gatherings and the potential for increased infections.
Thankfully, Emily is home now but remains in isolation for a few more days. That’s a total of 20 days without seeing anyone outside our immediate family. She longs for her friends and the freedom to enjoy life again.
Please consider masking up, getting vaccinated, and practicing social distancing. Regardless of your beliefs, we are all fighting the same battle against COVID and its variants.
Emily appreciates you taking the time to read her story. She loves people and would do anything to help others.
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Summary:
In this personal account, Anna Parker reflects on her decision not to vaccinate her 12-year-old daughter, Emily, against COVID-19. After a series of unfortunate events that led to Emily contracting the virus and developing pneumonia, Anna shares the harrowing experience of navigating the medical system. She emphasizes the importance of vaccination and urges others to take the pandemic seriously. The story highlights the emotional toll on both the child and parent during a health crisis, and it serves as a cautionary tale for families facing similar choices.
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