Yet another belated post. Some of the dates and sequence of events may not be that accurate but I believe should be quite close.
After we came back from HK back in November, Kaelyn began developing a mild cold and cough. It went away after a few days. But after a week or so, so had high fever that hovered around 39+ degrees for several days. She started with cough and sore throat on 26 Dec and we brought her to the GP. On 28 Dec, she was down with fever, and we brought her to the PD who put her on a course of antibiotics. Sent her to the KK Hospital A&E on either 30 or 31 Dec (cant recall exact date) and was sent home after some blood tests. For that few days, the poor gal had very poor appetite. She could only take a few bites of bread or porridge for the whole day and cant even finish half of her usual milk intake. She's also very lethargic. We were really very very afraid she is down with something serious.
When her fever was still very high on the night of 3 Jan 2011 (7th day of persistent high fever), we sent her to KKH again. This time, they advised us to admit her to hospital, as she was in danger of dehydration due to low fluid and food intake. For the 2 nights that she was warded, the nurses would come in every few hours to take her temperature and feed her paracetemol and brufen. There was one evening when she was coughing rather badly and we asked for the doctor. The doctor did not appear even on the next morning. We lodged a complaint that morning itself. How could they not send a doctor for 12 hours when we requested for one, and we are in the hospital! This is simply unacceptable.
We were told she had Influenza A Respiratory Tract Infection. X ray showed patchy streaks in her lungs which warranted a follow up in 3 months. She was discharged on the 3rd day.
Meanwhile, while Kaelyn was in hospital, Sherryn also developed fever around 38+ degrees. When I heard that, I could feel my head spinning - not 2 at the same time! The worse was not over - the day Kaelyn was discharged from hospital, her fever came back again. We called KKH and they actually asked us to visit the GP if the fever came back (shouldnt we go back to KKH for follow up?). Anyway, we didnt have much confidence in KKH after our stay there. We went back to the PD and PD after looking at the reports, said Kaelyn had pneumonia! I cant believe KKH did not tell us about it! PD put her on a course of antibiotics and Singular to strengthen her lungs. She recovered 3 days after - finally!!
During those few days, David and the helper were also both down with flu. Helper's was quite serious as her fever went up to 39 degrees. At one point, I was the only one standing, with 4 people down with flu at the same time, with 2 serious cases. That was one of the most tiring and trying times in my life.
But I am really glad that all this is over. A few lessons learnt:
1) Put on really warm clothings for kids if visiting cold countries. Not sure if this was the reason Kaelyn caught the Influenza but I believed it was partly the cause.
2) Get yourself and kids on flu vaccine. Was told Kaelyn's case may not be that serious if she had taken the flu shot.
3) I'll visit Thomson Medical centre next time instead of KKH (hopefully we'll never have to).
