This severe flu complication is on the rise
This year’s flu season has led to at least 37 million illnesses across the country since October 2024, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is currently reporting 114 pediatric flu deaths for the 2024-2025 season, and the season is not over yet.
In January 2025, the CDC received reports of children critically ill with a severe complication that is on the rise known as influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis (IAE). Symptoms of IAE in children can include seizures, altered mental state, delirium, lethargy and hallucinations.
“Complications from influenza – including IAE – can be extremely severe, and children are among the more vulnerable members of our population,” explains Dr. Patrick McCarthy, a pediatrician with Aurora Health Care. “This is why it is critically important that individuals over the age of 6 months are vaccinated each year against influenza. The vaccine is safe, effective and still available to help prevent influenza and its complications.”
Dr. McCarthy says much of the hesitancy he hears from parents and caregivers around influenza vaccination stems from misinformation.
“Firstly, the influenza vaccine cannot cause influenza. It’s also important to note that children with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, other lung conditions and diabetes are at higher risk of flu-associated complications. IAE is one of a myriad of dangerous complications that can occur from influenza. The vaccine is safe, and the risks associated with not vaccinating are much higher,” he says.
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About the Author
Holly Brenza, health enews contributor, is a public affairs coordinator on the content team at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
