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Deadly virus -

The flu is one of the deadliest viruses worldwide. Although it kills about two people per 100,000 infections, it spreads to so many people that thousands of deaths occur each year in the US alone.

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Flu season -

The virus can spread throughout the year, but most people get sick during the fall and winter months, the so-called "flu season." The CDC reports that flu activity is highest between December and February.

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Rising crisis -

The US is facing its worst flu season in over a decade. The CDC reports that at least 24 million cases were recorded by February 13.

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Countrywide -

"Influenza (flu) is widespread across most of the US," says Dr. Robert Hopkins, Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).

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Spike in hospitalizations -

He also highlights, "We are currently seeing the highest level of influenza hospitalizations since 2010."

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Death toll -

According to a CDC report published on February 27, more than 19,000 people have died, including 68 children.

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Brain damage -

At least nine of these children had brain complications linked to the flu.

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When did it start? -

The trend was first identified in January, when the CDC first received reports of children becoming critically ill and dying from influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis (IAE), a group of neurological conditions.

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How do they affect the brain? -

According to the Cleveland Clinic, encephalopathy refers to a group of conditions that affect brain function, while encephalitis causes brain swelling.

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Signs of brain damage -

The CDC advises clinicians consider IAE in children with influenza who display abnormal neurological signs or symptoms.

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Symptoms -

Symptoms of IAE include seizures, a decreased level of consciousness, hallucinations, and personality changes that last for more than 24 hours.

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Tracking issues -

Since the CDC typically doesn't track IAE cases, it's unclear whether the number of reported cases this season is higher than in previous years.

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On alert -

However, they have advised doctors to remain vigilant for signs of IAE.

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Open question -

"The impact of cases observed in the 2024–25 season compared to expected numbers is unknown," the CDC report states.

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Cause of death -

According to a 2021 study published in the journal Medical Science Monitor, nervous system injuries, including IAE, are a leading cause of flu-related deaths in children.

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Investigation -

To investigate the incidence of influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in children, the CDC has launched a comprehensive data collection effort, requesting state health departments provide records of pediatric flu-related fatalities from 2010 through 2025.

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More cases -

Preliminary data from the 2024-2025 flu season indicates a notable uptick in influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) among pediatric flu deaths.

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Report findings -

The CDC found that of the 68 child fatalities reported as of February 8, nine cases, or 13%, involved IAE.

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Increase from previous seasons -

This compares to a 9% average across previous seasons, with the highest recorded incidence being 14% in 2011-2012.

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Vaccination -

The CDC, while unable to confirm if current IAE rates are abnormal, reaffirmed the importance of flu vaccination. The agency recommends flu shots for all eligible people six months and older while influenza viruses circulate.

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Prevention tool -

The report's authors underscored that influenza vaccination remains a crucial preventative measure against the virus and its potential complications.

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Less hospitalizations -

Early data indicates that this year’s flu shots have greatly reduced hospitalizations from seasonal flu. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the vaccination strategy for the 2025-2026 season.

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Vaccine development -

Due to the rapid mutation of the influenza virus, vaccine manufacturers analyze circulating strains in the Southern Hemisphere annually.

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Effectiveness update -

Based on this analysis, manufacturers develop updated flu vaccines, specifically targeting the strains predicted to be most widespread during the next flu season.

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Vaccine cycle -

As part of the annual flu vaccine development cycle, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel meets near the end of the current flu season to decide which strains will be included in next year's vaccines.

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Process delayed -

This cycle's meeting, scheduled for March 13 to determine next season's flu vaccine strains, was canceled without explanation, according to a February 28 Reuters report.

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Still on track? -

Despite the cancellation, the FDA maintains it is still preparing for the 2025-2026 flu season.

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What to expect? -

In a statement on its website, the agency said: "FDA, in consultation with our federal partners, will review the available data to make our recommendations to manufacturers of U.S.-licensed influenza vaccines in time for the production of updated vaccines for the 2025-2026 influenza season."

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Vaccine availability -

Experts express concern that the canceled FDA meeting could disrupt flu vaccine production, potentially leading to increased rates of severe illness and death, including among children. However, the FDA asserts, "We do not anticipate any impact on vaccine supply or timing of availability."

Sources: (CDC) (FDA) (Live Science)

See also: Here’s what to do when your child has the flu

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