Flu Season Surge: Are Brain Complications in Kids on the Rise?
Summary: This year’s flu season is the most severe in 15 years, leading to a surge in hospitalizations and deaths, including alarming cases of rare brain complications in children. Health officials are investigating whether the intense flu wave has contributed to an increase in neurological conditions like encephalitis and acute necrotizing encephalopathy. While flu shots may not prevent all infections, they play a crucial role in reducing severe illness and hospitalization. Stay informed about the latest updates, symptoms to watch for, and why getting vaccinated can still make a difference in protecting your child’s health.
Is This Flu Season More Dangerous for Kids?
This year’s flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst in over a decade, with 19,000 flu-related deaths reported, including 86 children. Health officials are now investigating whether this surge is linked to an increase in rare but life-threatening brain complications in children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that at least nine children who died from the flu experienced neurological complications, including encephalitis (brain inflammation) and a severe subtype called acute necrotising encephalopathy. The agency has urged state health departments to help identify more cases.
Flu Shots Offer Protection—But Vaccination Rates Are Low
The flu season has been severe, but there is some positive news:
- The CDC reports that flu vaccines are reducing hospitalisations.
- Children who received this year’s flu shot were between 64% and 78% less likely to be hospitalised than those who were unvaccinated.
- Among adults, the risk reduction was between 41% and 55%.
Despite this, only 45% of Americans have gotten their flu shot. Experts stress that it’s not too late to get vaccinated, as the flu is still spreading across most of the country.
“If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, get it because we’re still seeing high flu circulation,” says Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Why Are Some Kids Experiencing Brain Complications?
Doctors have warned hospitals to watch for flu-related neurological symptoms like:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Labored breathing
- Confusion or difficulty waking up
These symptoms could indicate
- Influenza-associated encephalopathy
- or even acute necrotising encephalopathy
These conditions can have long-term effects, such as
- Seizures
- Cognitive difficulties
These complications are usually rare, but they tend to appear more often during severe flu seasons. Experts believe certain flu strains may increase the risk, but there’s no regular tracking of these cases, making it difficult to determine whether this year is truly an outlier.
Dr. Keith Van Haren of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health noted that he has been informed of about 15 severe flu-related cases across the country, with more potential cases under investigation.
Will This Impact Next Year’s Flu Vaccine?
Every year, vaccine manufacturers update the flu shot to target the most common strains. However, a key FDA advisory meeting which helps guide the 2025-2026 flu vaccine formulation, was unexpectedly canceled by the government. It’s unclear whether officials will make the decision independently or reschedule the meeting.
Regardless, experts like Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University emphasize that while flu vaccines may not prevent all infections, their primary job is to
- Keep people out of the hospital
- Save lives
When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Child
Flu-related brain complications are usually rare, but it’s important that parents should be aware of warning signs. If your child has the flu and experiences unusual or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Don’t ignore symptoms like
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Breathing difficulties.
If something doesn’t seem right, it’s always better to consult a doctor.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed & Stay Protected
This flu season has been brutal, and while flu shots help reduce severe cases, the risk of brain complications in children remains a concern. Getting vaccinated can make a significant difference in preventing hospitalizations and protecting your child
What are your thoughts on this year’s flu season? Have you or your child gotten vaccinated? Share your experience in the comments!
Inputs from various media sources.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
