Increase in cases of child brain inflammation linked to the flu, study issues alert in the United States
The latest study, led by researchers at Stanford University, has shed light on the correlation between influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) and lack of vaccination among children. The study, conducted across 23 pediatric hospitals in the U.S., analysed 41 cases of pediatric ANE during the 2024-2025 flu season.
The condition, ANE, is a rare but deadly complication of the flu that affects the brain. Dr. Keith Van Haren, a co-author of the study and a pediatric neurologist at Stanford's Lucille Packard Children's Hospital, compared the recovery process for survivors to that of a traumatic brain injury. He emphasized that rapid treatment may save lives and minimize long-term difficulties.
Unfortunately, the study found that 27% of children diagnosed with ANE died within three days of symptom onset due to brain herniation. Among those who died, only one had been vaccinated. Among the 30 children who survived, only 43% had regained the ability to walk unaided after three months. Many survivors continued to struggle with long-term neurological disorders such as epilepsy.
Dr. Van Haren stressed that the disease progresses incredibly fast, with symptoms potentially escalating from drowsy to life-threatening in just a few hours. He stated that the first week is particularly perilous, but getting kids through it gives them a chance at meaningful recovery. The study found that survival from ANE hinges on making it through the first seven days post-infection.
Caregivers are urged to seek emergency medical attention if their child seems "off" during a flu episode. ANE symptoms often mimic the flu at first, but can quickly escalate, requiring parents to monitor for sudden drowsiness, behavioral changes, or unresponsiveness.
The study highlights the importance of awareness, early detection, and prevention through vaccination in dealing with ANE. The authors of the study stress that flu vaccination remains the most effective step in preventing this rare but deadly complication.
Current recommendations for flu vaccination strongly advise that all children 6 months and older receive an annual influenza vaccine to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications, including rare but severe neurological outcomes such as acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorse universal flu vaccination as the primary preventive strategy for children without contraindications.
Vaccination starts at 6 months of age, with children getting 2 doses if it is their first vaccination or if they previously received fewer than recommended doses. The 2025–2026 flu vaccines available in the United States are trivalent (three-component) and include inactivated vaccines and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV), such as FluMist, which has recent FDA approval for self- or caregiver administration.
While no clinical guideline explicitly states flu vaccination specifically prevents acute necrotizing encephalopathy, vaccination prevents influenza infection itself, which is the known trigger for ANE. Thus, vaccination indirectly reduces the risk of influenza-associated ANE by preventing flu illness. The flu vaccine is especially emphasized for children because of their high exposure risk during school and community settings, and because influenza-related morbidity and mortality—including severe complications like ANE—can be significant in this population.
Additional strategies include promoting vaccination coverage, timely administration before flu season, and encouraging vaccination among pregnant women and close contacts to provide herd immunity benefits to children.
In summary, annual influenza vaccination for all children 6 months and older is the current evidence-based recommendation to prevent influenza infection and reduce the risk of influenza-related complications such as acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). The vaccine does not directly target ANE but prevents the influenza virus, thereby reducing the incidence of flu-triggered ANE in children.
- The study underscores the relevance of consciousness in the correlation between influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) and lack of vaccination among children.
- The scholarly work postulates that ANE, a rare yet mortal complication of the flu targeting the brain, is comparable to a traumatic brain injury in the recovery process for survivors.
- Ambiguity surrounds the impact of chronic diseases such as cancer and respiratory conditions on the susceptibility to develop ANE.
- Digestive health is often overlooked in the context of ANE, but it's essential to consider potential underlying digestive issues when dealing with this neurological complication.
- An ailment like eye-health may not be immediately associated with ANE, but maintaining proper vision could help detect symptoms earlier.
- Hearing impairments might not seem connected to ANE, but early detection of hearing issues could facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- The study underlines the significance of health and wellness in mitigating the risks associated with ANE, further emphasizing fitness and exercise as important factors.
- Sexual health is intertwined with overall health and wellness, making it necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimize the potential complications of ANE.
- Autoimmune disorders could compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to influenza infections and potentially ANE.
- Mental health is an essential factor in dealing with the emotional trauma and stress that ANE survivors may face during the recovery process.
- Paying attention to mens' health issues is crucial to addressing the specific needs of male patients with ANE, highlighting the importance of mens' health therapies and treatments.
- Skin-care is an essential factor in early detection and prevention initiatives, as skin conditions might serve as potential portals for the flu virus.
- As people age, their vulnerability to ANE and other medical conditions increases, with geriatric populations targeted by the Medicare program needing to be aware of influenza-associated risks. Furthermore, considering women's health and parenting perspectives is important in addressing the unique challenges faced by families navigating the complications of ANE, as well as focusing on weight-management and cardiovascular health to further mitigate the risks.
