There are few things heavier for a parent than worrying about a sick child. That concern has grown this season after the CDC confirmed that several children with the flu developed a rare and deadly brain disorder. The news has sparked deep worry across the country as flu cases continue to surge.

According to the CDC, nine of the 68 children who died from the flu this season had a condition called influenza-associated encephalopathy, or IAE. Four of those cases involved an even more severe form known as acute necrotizing encephalopathy, often called ANE. Most of the children were under five years old, and only two had received the flu vaccine.

The turning point in these cases happens when the body’s immune system overreacts to the virus. This extreme response causes swelling and damage in the brain, which can lead to confusion, seizures, or even brain death. Although IAE is rare, this season’s high number of flu infections has led to more severe complications.

Doctors say the current flu season is one of the worst in 15 years, with hundreds of thousands hospitalized and thousands of children still at risk. Vaccination rates have also dropped, leaving nearly 40 million children without any protection against severe flu symptoms. Health experts worry that this decline makes complications like IAE more likely.

Despite the fear these cases bring, the CDC continues to stress the value of flu shots. The vaccine cannot prevent every illness, but it greatly reduces the chances of severe infection. As families face a difficult season, this reminder offers a simple step that can save lives.

In moments like this, we are reminded how fragile health can be—and how important early protection truly is.