In severe cases, children can develop acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a dangerous form of brain damage linked to viral infections like flu. While IAE is rare, the CDC’s preliminary data for the 2024-25 flu season link 13% of child flu deaths to these brain complications.

In response to anecdotal reports the agency received in late January of children with influenza-associated ANE, including several fatal cases, CDC examined influenza-associated pe

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 19,000 people have died from the flu so far this winter, including 86 kids.

As the flu season persists, people have been expressing concern for their health and well-being. While the doctors have been working tirelessly to prevent things from escalating a new worrying report reveals much more dangerous complications for children who contract the flu.

This year’s harsh flu season – the most intense in 15 years – has federal health officials trying to understand if it sparked an increase in a rare but life-threatening brain complication in children.

This year’s harsh flu season – the most intense in 15 years – has federal health officials trying to understand if it sparked an increase in a rare but life-threatening brain complication in children.