Respiratory Syncytial Virus 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 2 viruses cause significant respiratory morbidity and are leading causes of hospitalization for respiratory failure in pediatric hospitals each year.

Source: The Journal of Pediatrics - August 24, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Nicolas R. Chiriboga-Salazar, Sue J. Hong Tags: Editorials Source Type: research