An 11-year-old girl is currently fighting for her life after what started as a common case of influenza quickly escalated into a serious respiratory condition.

Olivia Lenhart, a fifth-grade student at Dilworth Elementary School in Dilworth, Minnesota, is now in intensive care, reliant on machines to assist with her breathing after her bout with the flu developed into pneumonia, leading to a further decline in her health.

On January 13, Olivia was admitted to the emergency room, struggling with her breathing and exhibiting alarmingly low oxygen saturation levels.

Initially tested for influenza A, her condition worsened rapidly, prompting doctors to diagnose her with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This critical condition necessitated intubation and three weeks on a ventilator.

‘We are utterly heartbroken. We never anticipated that it would escalate to this extent,’ her father, Mike Lenhart, shared with KWTX.

‘She has faced influenza A in the past, but the addition of pneumonia hit her hard and fast,’ said her mother, Jamie.

Olivia, who was born with Down syndrome, has always been a resilient fighter, but this current battle is unprecedented.

Even while sedated, Olivia’s determination has caught the attention of her medical care team, with one doctor affectionately labeling her as ‘spicy.’

Olivia Lenhart, 11, is fighting for her life following a routine case of influenza that quickly developed into a severe respiratory illness.

Olivia Lenhart, a fifth grader at Dilworth Elementary School in Dilworth, Minnesota, is currently in intensive care and reliant on machines to aid her breathing.

On January 13, Olivia was rushed to the ER due to respiratory distress, and her condition rapidly worsened.

Her mother, Jamie Lenhart, concurs. ‘Olivia has always displayed a lively personality. She tends to take charge! I remain hopeful that she can maintain that same strong attitude through this ordeal.’

After several weeks on the ventilator, doctors successfully removed Olivia’s breathing tube; however, her journey is not yet over, as she continues to rely on supplemental oxygen.

Jamie remarked, ‘At this stage, it’s about monitoring how her body responds. Sometimes it feels like one step forward and two steps back, but right now, it’s two steps forward and one step back.’

Her parents are preparing for the possibility of Olivia requiring long-term care upon her release from the hospital.

The escalating medical expenses and the need for specialized therapy, rehabilitation, and round-the-clock support have led the family to create a GoFundMe campaign, seeking help from their community.

‘If she doesn’t regain enough strength to breathe independently soon, she may require a tracheotomy and a feeding tube, which could imply the need for long-term care at home,’ the family noted in an update.

‘This is something we never envisioned facing.’

‘Olivia has always been a fighter,’ Jamie asserted. ‘We have unwavering faith in her strength.’

After an extended period on a ventilator, doctors managed to take out Olivia’s breathing tube, but her struggle continues as she still requires supplemental oxygen.

Olivia may require long-term care upon her eventual return home.

The family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign due to rising medical expenses and the necessity for specialized therapy and continuous care.

As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity in Minnesota is currently categorized as ‘high’ this winter.

Olivia’s parents are advocating for others to take flu diagnoses seriously.

‘I urge everyone to seek that additional test. It could potentially save a life,’ Jamie pleaded.

The family expresses gratitude for the compassion and support received from hospital staff and the community during this challenging time.

‘We are immensely thankful for both the care we’re receiving and the support of our community throughout this ordeal,’ Jamie concluded.