CDC Warns of Increased Severe Cases and Deaths Among Children Due to Flu; Urges Parents to Take Preventive Action

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September 25, 2025

River Forest, Illinois – Anxiety is mounting as the flu season approaches, notably for families grappling with the aftermath of severe complications in children. Cases of rare but devastating neurological conditions triggered by influenza are on the rise, alongside a concerning drop in childhood vaccination rates.

A Young Boy’s Struggle Highlights the Danger

Christine Wear of River Forest is keenly aware of the risks. Her four-year-old son, Beckett, continues his recovery from a flu infection contracted earlier this year. Within days of initial infection, Beckett experienced a rapid decline, losing motor skills and the ability to communicate. Doctors diagnosed him with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare inflammatory brain disease triggered by the flu – it was the second time he had experienced this condition.

Beckett Wear temporarily lost his ability to walk after two bouts of acute necrotizing encephalitis. courtesy Christine Wear

Beckett’s case is not isolated. Health officials are reporting an increase in pediatric ANE and similar flu-related encephalopathies. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, 109 children were diagnosed with these complications during the 2024-25 flu season.

Flu Season’s Devastating Toll

The 2024-2025 flu season was particularly severe, with 280 pediatric deaths reported nationwide – the highest number recorded outside of the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic. Concurrently, vaccination rates among children have decreased. Experts warn that this combination creates a perilous scenario.

“We don’t always know which children will experience the most severe forms of the flu, which is why we recommend vaccination for everyone,” explains Dr.Buddy Creech, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “The assumption that only children with pre-existing conditions are vulnerable is a misconception.”

Understanding Influenza-Associated Encephalopathy

Influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) occurs when the flu virus attacks the nervous system. Symptoms can vary widely, ranging from confusion and difficulty walking to hallucinations, abnormal movements, and seizures. Doctors believe there are at least seven different forms of IAE, with ANE being one of the most severe.

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

“Flu is dangerous for children, period,” states Dr. Keith Van Haren, a pediatric neurologist at Stanford Medicine.”That is a critical point to emphasize.”

declining Vaccination Rates Fuel Concerns

While seasonal flu shots are not always perfectly effective at preventing infection, they substantially reduce the risk of severe complications and death. Last year, the flu vaccine demonstrated up to 78% efficacy in preventing hospitalizations in children and teenagers. Despite this, vaccination rates are falling. Only 49.2% of children received a flu shot last year, down from 62.4% during the 2019-20 flu season.

“Our goal is to protect all children, especially those most vulnerable,” says Dr. Sean O’Leary, an infectious diseases expert with the American Academy of pediatrics. “Vaccination against the flu remains the simplest and most effective way to achieve this.”

Factors contributing to the decline in vaccination rates include increased vaccine hesitancy and challenges with healthcare access and staffing.

Did You Know? The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone six months and older, with emphasis on early October to maximize protection during peak season.

Pro Tip: Even if your child has had the flu before, annual vaccination is crucial due to the evolving nature of influenza viruses.

staying Informed About Flu Prevention

The landscape of influenza and preventative measures is constantly evolving. Beyond vaccination, maintaining good hygiene practices – frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes – remains essential. Staying home when sick helps to limit the spread of the virus, protecting vulnerable populations. As new data emerges, public health recommendations might potentially be updated, so it is indeed critically important to stay informed through reliable sources like the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu and Children

• What is the flu? The flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs.
• How can I protect my child from the flu? Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your child, alongside good hygiene practices.
• What are the symptoms of flu in children? Common symptoms include fever,cough,sore throat,body aches,and fatigue.
• Is the flu shot safe for children? Yes, the flu shot is safe and recommended for children six months and older.
• What is ANE and how is it related to the flu? ANE (acute necrotizing encephalopathy) is a rare but serious brain condition that can be triggered by influenza infection.
• what should I do if my child develops severe symptoms after having the flu? Seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences confusion, difficulty walking, seizures, or other concerning neurological symptoms.
• What is the current status of flu vaccination rates in children? Vaccination rates have been declining in recent years posing a serious public health concern.

What steps are you taking to protect your family this flu season? share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

What specific strains of influenza are currently circulating and causing the surge in severe cases among children, according to the CDC?

Understanding the Current Flu Situation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – known as 疾病预防控制中心 (Jíbìng yùfáng kòngzhì zhōngxīn) in Chinese – has issued a stark warning regarding a surge in severe influenza cases and, tragically, deaths among children across the United States. This isn’t just a typical seasonal flu; health officials are reporting higher hospitalization rates and a disproportionate impact on pediatric populations. Early data suggests the predominant strains circulating this year are notably aggressive, demanding immediate attention and preventative measures. This yearS flu season is proving to be more dangerous for children than recent years, prompting the CDC’s urgent call to action.

Why Are Children More Vulnerable to Severe Flu?

Several factors contribute to children’s increased susceptibility to severe complications from the flu:

* Developing Immune Systems: Young children haven’t yet built up the immunity that comes with prior exposure to influenza viruses. Their immune systems are still maturing, making them less effective at fighting off infection.

* Smaller Airways: Children have smaller airways than adults,making them more prone to complications like pneumonia and bronchitis when infected with the flu.

* Close Contact: Children, especially those in daycare or school, are in close proximity to many other children, facilitating the rapid spread of the virus.

* Behavioral Factors: Young children often have less developed hygiene habits (like covering coughs and sneezes) which increases transmission.

Symptoms to Watch For: Recognizing the Flu in Children

Early detection is crucial. Parents should be vigilant for the following flu symptoms in their children:

* Fever (often high)

* Cough

* Sore throat

* Runny or stuffy nose

* Muscle aches

* Headaches

* Fatigue

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

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical care. These include:

* Difficulty breathing

* Bluish skin color

* Severe chest pain

* Dehydration

* Seizures

* worsening of chronic medical conditions

The CDC’s Urgent Recommendations for Parents

The CDC is strongly urging parents to take the following preventative actions to protect their children:

1. Get Vaccinated: The annual flu vaccine is the moast effective way to protect your child against the flu. Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Don’t delay – it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide full protection.
2. practice Good Hygiene:

* Frequent handwashing with soap and water.

* Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.

* Avoiding touching the face.

3. Stay Home When Sick: Keep your child home from school or daycare if they are experiencing flu symptoms to prevent spreading the virus.
4. Antiviral Medications: If your child develops the flu, talk to your doctor about antiviral medications. These medications can lessen the severity of the illness and shorten its duration, especially if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms.
5. Boost Immunity: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, eats a healthy diet, and stays hydrated.

Flu Vaccine Effectiveness & Types

The flu vaccine is updated annually to match the circulating strains. While effectiveness varies, it considerably reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. There are several types of flu vaccines available:

* Standard-dose flu shots: Administered via injection.

* High-dose flu shots: Designed for people 65 years and older, but sometimes used for those with weakened immune systems.

* Recombinant flu vaccines: Made without flu virus.

* Nasal spray flu vaccine (LAIV): Approved for use in non-pregnant individuals, 2-49 years of age.

Consult with your pediatrician to determine the best vaccine option for your child.

Real-world Impact: Recent Flu-Related