Protecting Children from Flu-Related Encephalopathies: The Urgency of Vaccination
The upcoming flu season is causing anxiety for many parents, including Christine Wear, whose 4-year-old son Beckett is still recovering from the flu he had in January. Beckett developed acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare inflammatory brain disease caused by the flu, which has led to a slow recovery process for him. Cases of pediatric ANE and other flu-related encephalopathies are increasing, with 109 children diagnosed during the 2024-25 flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Buddy Creech, a pediatric infectious disease physician, emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination for all children, as severe complications can occur even in healthy kids. Anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in children experiencing brain inflammation after having the flu, prompting concerns among healthcare providers. The new study published by the CDC highlights the severity of influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in children, with symptoms ranging from confusion to seizures.
Dr. Keith Van Haren, a pediatric neurologist, stresses that the flu is dangerous for children and underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing severe complications and death. While the flu shot may not completely prevent flu infections, it significantly reduces the risk of severe outcomes. Last year, the flu shot was up to 78% effective in keeping kids and teens with the flu out of the hospital.
Despite the benefits of flu vaccination, a concerning trend is emerging, with a significant percentage of children with IAE and those who died from the flu last season not being vaccinated. Dr. Sean O’Leary, an infectious diseases expert, urges everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families from influenza. Pediatricians recommend getting flu shots before the end of October to ensure protection during the flu season.
As the Southern Hemisphere's flu season shows promising results in reducing flu-related hospitalizations with the flu vaccine, the declining rates of children getting vaccinated against the flu remain a challenge. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to prioritize flu vaccination to safeguard children from the potentially severe consequences of the flu.