Flu-linked brain disease rises in U.S. kids amid low vaccination rates
109 cases of flu-linked brain disease in U.S. kids last season, with only 16% vaccinated.
Why it matters
- Influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) is a severe complication of flu in children.
- High death rates and ICU admissions highlight the severity of IAE.
- Low vaccination rates among affected children underscore the importance of flu shots.
By the numbers
- 109 IAE cases identified in 2024–25.
- 55% of cases were in previously healthy kids.
- 74% of IAE cases required ICU admission.
- 19% of IAE cases resulted in death.
- 41% of ANE cases resulted in death.
The big picture
- The 2024–25 flu season was severe, with record pediatric deaths.
- IAE and ANE are serious complications of influenza, affecting even healthy children.
- Annual flu vaccination is recommended for all children aged ≥6 months to prevent such complications.
What they're saying
- Personal anecdotes emphasize the importance of flu shots.
- Experts highlight the high death rates and low vaccination rates among affected children.
Caveats
- The study relies on convenience sampling and may not represent all U.S. IAE cases.
- Discharge diagnoses may underrepresent the true incidence of IAE.
- Data was collected from electronic health records and may not include complete clinical courses.
What’s next
- CDC is integrating surveillance for IAE and ANE into existing systems for the 2025–26 flu season.
- Increased awareness and vaccination efforts are needed to prevent severe flu complications in children.