CDC: Increase in Severe Flu Cases Among Children in the United States Highlights Concerns About Vaccination Rates and Misinformation Impacts Health Outcomes

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Rare, Severe Flu Complication Affecting Children is on the Rise

September 26, 2025

Parents across the country are expressing heightened anxieties as the flu season approaches, coupled with a disturbing trend: an increase in severe neurological complications following influenza infection in children.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a significant uptick in cases of influenza-associated encephalopathy, a rare but possibly devastating condition.

A Mother’s Ordeal Highlights the Risks

Christine Wear, of River Forest, Illinois, shares a harrowing experience. Her four-year-old son, Beckett, contracted the flu in January and swiftly developed acute necrotizing encephalopathy, or ANE, a rare inflammatory brain disease triggered by the influenza virus. This marks the second time Beckett has battled this complication,and his recovery has been protracted.

Beckett Wear faced temporary loss of mobility after experiencing acute necrotizing encephalitis. (Courtesy of Christine Wear)

Beckett’s case isn’t isolated. During the 2024-25 flu season, 109 children were diagnosed with some form of influenza-associated encephalopathy, according to newly released data from the CDC. This number is particularly alarming given that ANE was historically a very rarely reported condition.

Deadliest Flu Season in Over a decade

Last year saw 280 pediatric flu deaths nationwide,the highest number recorded since the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic. Concurrently, childhood flu vaccination rates have been steadily declining, leaving a larger portion of the population vulnerable. Experts emphasize that flu complications can strike even healthy children,debunking the misconception that only those with pre-existing conditions are at risk.

“We don’t always know how to predict wich kids are going to have the most severe forms of flu, which is why we recommend the vaccine for everyone,” explains Dr. buddy Creech, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Understanding Influenza-Associated Encephalopathy

Influenza-associated encephalopathy, or IAE, occurs when the influenza virus directly impacts the child’s nervous system. Symptoms can range from mild confusion and difficulty walking to more severe manifestations like hallucinations,abnormal movements,and seizures. Medical experts currently suspect at least seven distinct forms of IAE exist.

ANE, the illness experienced by beckett Wear, accounts for approximately one-third of all IAE cases. Recent data reveals a concerning pattern amongst affected children:

Statistic	Percentage
ICU Admission rate	74%
Ventilator Use	54%
Previously Healthy Children	55%
Fatality Rate	19%

“Flu is risky for children, period,” asserts Dr. Keith Van Haren, a pediatric neurologist at Stanford Medicine. “That is not a mischaracterization.”

Declining Vaccination Rates Fuel Concerns

While the annual flu vaccine isn’t perfect – its efficacy varies – it demonstrably reduces the risk of severe complications and hospitalization. Data from last year showed the flu shot was up to 78% effective in preventing flu-related hospitalizations among children and teenagers.

However, vaccination rates are dropping. According to the latest CDC report, only 49.2% of children received a flu shot last season, a significant decrease from the 62.4% recorded during the 2019-20 flu season. A staggering 84% of children diagnosed with influenza-associated encephalopathy hadn’t been vaccinated,and 90% of the 280 pediatric fatalities occurred in unvaccinated children.

“The best way to protect yourself and your family from influenza is for everyone to get vaccinated,” emphasizes Dr. Sean O’Leary, an infectious diseases expert with the american Academy of Pediatrics.

Experts recommend children receive their flu shots before the end of October. Early indicators from the Southern Hemisphere suggest this year’s vaccine may reduce flu-related hospitalizations by as much as 50%.

Increasing vaccine hesitancy and challenges in accessing healthcare are contributing factors to the decline in vaccination rates, experts say.

Did You Know? Even mild flu cases can sometimes lead to serious neurological complications in children, making vaccination all the more crucial.

Pro Tip: Schedule your family’s flu shots as early as possible in the fall to ensure protection throughout the peak season.

What steps will you take to protect your family this flu season? And what concerns do you have about childhood vaccination rates?

Protecting Against the Flu: A Year-Round Approach

While annual vaccination is the cornerstone of flu prevention,maintaining good hygiene practices year-round is also vital. Frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can substantially reduce the spread of the virus. Creating a healthy lifestyle-including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep-can further bolster the immune system, enhancing its ability to fight off infection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flu and Children

• What is influenza-associated encephalopathy? It’s a rare but serious condition where the flu virus attacks a child’s nervous system, leading to brain inflammation.
• How effective is the flu vaccine for children? Last year, the flu shot was up to 78% effective in preventing hospitalizations due to the flu in children and teens.
• Is the flu dangerous for healthy children? Yes, even previously healthy children can experience severe complications from the flu, including neurological issues.
• What are the common symptoms of IAE in children? Symptoms can range from confusion and difficulty walking to hallucinations, abnormal movements, and seizures.
• When should children get their flu shot? Pediatricians generally recommend getting vaccinated before the end of October.
• What can parents do to prevent the spread of the flu? Practice frequent handwashing, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Are there different types of IAE? Yes, medical experts suspect there are at least seven distinct forms of influenza-associated encephalopathy.

Share this important information with your community and join the conversation in the comments below!

What specific factors are contributing to the heightened severity of flu cases among children this year,according to the CDC?

The Rising Tide of Pediatric Flu Cases: A Public Health Concern

The centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) is reporting a concerning increase in severe influenza (flu) cases among children across the United States. This surge, observed in the early weeks of the 2025-2026 flu season, is prompting health officials to emphasize the critical importance of annual flu vaccination and address the detrimental effects of health misinformation. Pediatric flu, while often mild, can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, dehydration, and even death. The current situation underscores the vulnerability of young children and the need for proactive preventative measures.

understanding the Current Flu Landscape

Several factors are contributing to the heightened severity of flu cases this year:

* Dominant Strain: The predominant influenza strain currently circulating is a especially aggressive variant of influenza A (H3N2). This strain has historically been associated with more severe illness, especially in older adults and young children.

* Decreased Immunity: Lower population immunity, stemming from reduced exposure to influenza viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic, is making individuals more susceptible to infection. This “immunity debt” is particularly noticeable in children who haven’t had recent exposure.

* Low Vaccination Rates: A significant decline in flu vaccination rates, particularly among children, is a major driver of the current increase in severe cases. CDC data indicates a concerning drop in vaccination coverage compared to pre-pandemic levels.

* Co-circulation of Respiratory Viruses: The simultaneous circulation of othre respiratory viruses, such as RSV and COVID-19, is placing additional strain on healthcare systems and potentially increasing the risk of co-infection, leading to more severe outcomes.

The Impact of Misinformation on Flu vaccination

The spread of misinformation regarding flu vaccines is considerably impacting public health. False claims about vaccine safety and efficacy are contributing to vaccine hesitancy and lower vaccination rates. common myths include:

* The Flu Vaccine Causes the Flu: This is a demonstrably false claim. Flu vaccines contain inactivated or weakened virus strains that cannot cause infection. mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, are common but indicate an immune response, not illness.

* Flu Vaccines are Not Effective: While vaccine effectiveness varies each year depending on the match between the vaccine strains and circulating viruses, flu vaccines consistently reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, and death.

* Natural Immunity is Better: While prior infection can provide some immunity, it is indeed frequently enough incomplete and doesn’t offer the same broad protection as vaccination. Vaccination provides a more predictable and robust immune response.

Who is Most at Risk?

Certain groups are at higher risk of developing severe complications from the flu:

* Children Under 5 Years Old: Young children have developing immune systems and are more susceptible to severe illness.

* Children with chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders increase the risk of complications.

* Pregnant Women: Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making women more vulnerable to severe flu.

* Older adults (65+): The immune system weakens with age, increasing the risk of complications.

* Individuals with Compromised immune Systems: Conditions or treatments that suppress the immune system increase susceptibility to severe illness.

Recognizing Flu Symptoms in Children

Early recognition of flu symptoms is crucial for prompt medical attention. Common symptoms include:

* Fever (often high)

* Cough

* sore throat

* Runny or stuffy nose

* Muscle aches

* Headache

* Fatigue

* Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

When to seek Medical Attention:

Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their child exhibits any of the following warning signs:

* Difficulty breathing

* Persistent chest pain or pressure

* Severe dehydration

* seizures

* Worsening of chronic medical conditions

* Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

the Benefits of annual Flu Vaccination

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Benefits include:

* Reduced Risk of Illness: Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of contracting the flu.

* Milder illness: Even if vaccinated individuals get the flu, their illness is typically milder and shorter in duration.

* Reduced Hospitalization: vaccination reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalization.

* Protection of Vulnerable Individuals: vaccination helps protect those who are at high risk of complications, such as infants and the elderly.

* Community Immunity: Higher vaccination rates contribute to herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

Practical Tips for Preventing Flu Spread

Beyond vaccination, several practical steps can help prevent the spread of influenza:

1. Practice good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Cover Your Cough: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
3. Avoid Close Contact: Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
4. **Stay Home When Sick