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The United States is experiencing its most severe flu season in 15 years, prompting federal health officials to investigate a potential increase in rare but life-threatening brain complications among children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu has claimed 19,000 lives this winter, including 86 children. Recent reports from the CDC indicate that at least nine of these pediatric deaths involved brain complications. State health departments have been asked to help determine whether additional cases have gone unreported.
While this news raises concerns, there is a silver lining: the CDC has found that this year’s flu vaccine is performing well in preventing hospitalizations among those who received it. Among the 45% of Americans who have been vaccinated, children were 64% to 78% less likely to be hospitalized, while adults had a 41% to 55% lower risk.
Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of flu vaccination. “If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, get it because we’re still seeing high flu circulation in most of the country,” advised Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Investigating Neurologic Complications
Earlier this month, hospitals and state health departments issued warnings to medical professionals to monitor flu-infected children for neurological symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, or other indicators of “influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis.” A more severe form of this condition, known as acute necrotizing encephalopathy, has been observed in some cases.
A new CDC analysis of 1,840 pediatric flu deaths since 2010 revealed that 166 involved neurologic complications, with most of those children being unvaccinated. However, it remains unclear whether this season’s nine flu-related deaths involving such complications represent an actual increase. The lack of routine tracking for these rare conditions complicates efforts to determine trends.
In California, Dr. Keith Van Haren of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health reported that he was aware of approximately 15 cases of severe flu-related brain complications this season, with additional cases still under review. However, the exact number of fatalities associated with these complications remains uncertain.
Despite the alarming reports, experts stress that these neurologic complications remain rare. “The best course of action is to seek medical care anytime a child with the flu exhibits unusual or concerning symptoms, such as labored breathing,” Dr. O’Leary advised.
Looking Ahead: Vaccine Development and Policy Uncertainty
Severe flu seasons often bring an increase in neurologic complications, sometimes linked to specific flu strains. Survivors of such conditions may experience lasting effects, including seizures and cognitive difficulties.
Meanwhile, the process of developing next winter’s flu vaccine is already underway. However, recent uncertainty surrounding the federal government’s approach to vaccine policy has raised concerns. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was set to hold a meeting on March 13 to determine which flu strains should be included in the 2025-2026 flu vaccine. However, the meeting’s cancellation has left it unclear how the government will make these decisions moving forward.
“The public needs to understand the factors that go into these vaccine decisions,” said Dr. O’Leary. The Department of Health and Human Services has stated that the FDA will still provide recommendations to manufacturers in time for next season’s vaccine production.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on current CDC and health expert reports and should not replace medical advice. Individuals concerned about flu symptoms should consult healthcare professionals for guidance.
