A six-year-old girl with flu remains in critical condition and intubated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Athens Children’s Hospital “Agia Sofia”, having developed a very serious complication from the central nervous system yesterday – encephalitis.
Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital: The girl is unvaccinated for flu but doesn’t belong to the typical age group
The treating doctors express mild optimism, as despite the fact that the six-year-old girlis unvaccinated for flu, she doesn’t belong to the typical age group in which a child might develop encephalitis due to the flu virus, while her health condition shows very marginal improvements.
According to what pediatrician Olga Tzetzi tells parapolitika.gr, this very serious case of the six-year-old “reminds us that flu is not always a ‘mild childhood disease’. In rare cases it can affect the central nervous system and lead to severe, life-threatening conditions, even in children who were completely healthy until then.”
According to her, “the latest international data is revealing. According to a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and analysis by the American Academy of Pediatrics, during the 2024–2025 flu season, 109 pediatric cases of influenza-associated encephalopathy were recorded in the US.
Of these, 55% involved previously healthy children, 74% required ICU hospitalization, and 21 children died. Particularly severe was the form of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), with high mortality and serious neurological sequelae in survivors. A significant finding is that only 16% of children who became ill were vaccinated, while almost 9 out of 10 children who died from flu were not fully vaccinated.”
Olga Tzetzi: No panic, but early recognition of warning signs
Olga Tzetzi’s message to parents “is not panic, but early recognition of warning signs.” When a child with flu shows:
- sudden confusion or disorientation
- severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- behavioral changes or “not being themselves”
- hallucinations or incomprehensible speech
- seizures
- severe headache with repeated vomiting
- unsteady walking or limb weakness
- sudden deterioration of general condition within hours
- immediate hospital evaluation is required, not waiting at home.
Finally, Olga Tzetzi reminds us that “in a period of increased flu cases in Greece and Europe, and international questioning of scientific knowledge and vaccines, the answer cannot be fear. The answer is evidence-based information and prevention. Annual flu vaccination for all children from 6 months remains the most important measure of protection from serious complications. Knowledge of symptoms and trust in public health can save lives.”
The disease
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. Usually the cause is a viral infection, but bacteria can also cause it. It can be mild or severe. Most cases are mild. Flu-like symptoms may develop. With a mild case, you may just need rest, plenty of fluids, and a painkiller.
Severe cases need immediate treatment. Symptoms of severe cases include:
- Severe headache
- Sudden fever
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Seizures
In infants, additional symptoms may include constant crying, poor feeding, body stiffness, and swelling in the soft spots of the skull.
Severe cases may require hospitalization. Treatments include oral and intravenous (IV) medications to reduce inflammation and treat infection. Patients with breathing difficulties may need artificial respiration. Some people may need physical, speech, and occupational therapy when the illness is brought under control.
