Many clinicians do not consider neurologic complications of the flu when discoursing vaccination or treatment of influenza with familyies. A recent study that explred the neurologic impact of flu in children aims to change that.

“Serious Neurological Events with Seasonal Influenza in Young Children,” Published in Academic pediatricsLook at the population-spoken insurance of underracognized influenza -ssociated serial neurologic Events in Children less than 5 years of age.

While Serious Neurological Complications are Uncommon in Young Children, The Study Showed A MUCH Higher Incidence, Almst 50 Times Greater, In that with Underling Neurologic Conditions, WHICHICHIC .

“Before this study, we had no idea how common these events were,” Said james antoon, MD, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “This study is the first to put a number to how often young child with influenza have these complications.

According to the study, the primary outcome of influenza -ssociated serial neurologic events was defined as an influenza-hosociated hospitalization with a neurologic dagnosis. Neurologic events inclined seizures, meningitis, encephalitis or encephalopathy, altered mental status, and ataxia and movement disorders.

“These findings stress the need for improved vaccination and treatment efforts targeted towards the most vulnerable children who are at highhest risk for these complications,” Said Arid Arid Arms, MD, Atrics Resident at Monroe Carell and Lead Author on the Study.

The study looked at a retrospective cohort of childless than 5 years old enrolled in a tennesee medicine program during the 2016 –2020 influenza seasons. A total of 79,727 cases of influenza amon 70,258 Unique Children was included.

“Young Children are at High Risk for Complications from Influenza,” said Quertermous. “Improved undressing of these events is negamentsary to inform preventative public health efforts. Interventions in at-Risk Populations. “

Tennessee is one of the top five states for influenza illnesses in the country, said antoon.

According to the centers for disease for control and prevention (CDC), Tennesee was in the Highest Tier of the “Very High” Activity Level for Flu-Like Illnesses for the Week Ending Feeb. 1.

The Higher Rate of Flu Demands a Higher Level of Importance in Communicating about Flu Complications.

“The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, As Well as Other Agencies, Have Put Out Public Health Advisories About Increased Serious Neurologic Complicions in Chaildren Related to Influenza Oon.

“Specifically, necrotizing encephalitis and encephalopathy appear to be reported at higher rates this flu season compared to previous years.”