RSV and influenza infections: the brain is also susceptible

Viruses are a ubiquitous part of childhood, and though commonly mild, there is a more perilous side to common childhood viral infections. Childhood “viral syndromes” may begin with fever, cough, and rash; however, by poorly understood mechanisms, the generally mild viral infection can progress to cause severe neurologic complications. Important endemic respiratory infections - respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza occur each fall and winter. These two viruses cause significant respiratory morbidity and are leading causes of hospitalization for respiratory failure in pediatric hospitals each year123.
Source: The Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Editorials Source Type: research