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Flu Cases Rise as Doctors Warn of Severe Complications in Children
Influenza can damage the body's defenses, leading to life-threatening issues like pneumonia and encephalitis.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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As flu cases rise, doctors are seeing an increase in severe and sometimes life-threatening complications, particularly in children. Influenza can weaken the respiratory tract's protective barriers, allowing bacteria and viruses to spread and cause secondary infections like severe pneumonia and neurological symptoms such as febrile seizures.
Why it matters
Though often dismissed as a routine seasonal illness, influenza can affect the lungs, brain, heart and other vital organs, leading to serious and even fatal outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations like children. Despite the risks, vaccination rates remain low, underscoring the need for greater public awareness and preventive measures.
The details
Among hospitalized patients, up to one-third develop severe pneumonia, and about 10% experience neurological symptoms such as febrile seizures. During the 2024–2025 season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 109 cases of flu-related encephalitis in children nationwide, with three cases treated at OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. Doctors have also reported rare complications such as necrotizing pneumonia, which destroys lung tissue, and heart inflammation that can lead to heart failure.
- During the 2024–2025 season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 109 cases of flu-related encephalitis in children nationwide.
- In Illinois, only 24.4% of residents are vaccinated against the flu, far below the level experts say is needed to prevent outbreaks.
The players
Mustafa Bakir, MD
A pediatric infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare.
OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois
A hospital in Peoria, Illinois that treated three cases of flu-related encephalitis in children during the 2024–2025 season.
What they’re saying
“The flu damages the body's natural defenses. If the virus destroys the mucosal sites, they can go wherever they aren't supposed to.”
— Mustafa Bakir, MD, Pediatric infectious disease specialist (Chambana Today)
“Influenza is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Prevention and early medical care are critical to saving lives.”
— Mustafa Bakir, MD, Pediatric infectious disease specialist (Chambana Today)
What’s next
Doctors and public health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against the flu to help prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations, especially children.
The takeaway
This flu season highlights the importance of taking influenza seriously and seeking prompt medical attention, as the virus can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications, particularly in children. Greater public awareness and vaccination efforts are crucial to mitigating the impact of this seasonal illness.
