A team of experts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that during the 2009 H191 pandemic, an excessive number of kids with neurologic disorders died from influenza-related complications. The report, in the journal Pediatrics, explains how important it is for parents to protect their children with neurologic disorders by getting them the flu vaccine.

The CDC, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Voices, and Families Fighting Flu, are joining together to help families understand how important both the flu vaccine and treatment are in these children who live with neurological disorders.

After examining data submitted to CDC from state and local health departments, the team was able to see how many deaths resulted from flu-related complications during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

They found that the number of pediatric deaths was greater than 5 times the median number of pediatric deaths that were reported in the five flu seasons before the pandemic. Kids with underlying medical conditions who had a greater risk of severe flu complications made up 68% of those deaths.

After analyzing the data on the 336 pediatric patients (defined as younger than 18) who died from H1N1 flu-related causes with available information on underlying medical conditions, researchers found:

  • 227 had one or more underlying health conditions
  • 146 (64%) had a neurologic disorder, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disability
  • Of those with neurological disorders, just 21 (23%) had received the seasonal flu vaccine
  • Just 2 of them (3%) were fully vaccinated before the pandemic

Dr. Lyn Finelli, head of the surveillance and outbreak response team in CDC’s Influenza Division, said:

“We’ve known for some time that certain neurologic conditions can put children at high risk for serious complications from influenza. However, the high percentage of pediatric deaths associated with neurologic disorders that occurred during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic was a somber reminder of the harm that flu can cause to children with neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders.”

Dr. Georgina Peacock, of CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, study co-author and pediatrician, explained that the flu is especially dangerous for those who have trouble with lung function, muscle function, or difficulty swallowing, difficulty coughing, or clearing fluids away from their airways. She added that kids with neurological disorders may experience the same issues.

Kids with neurological disorders most commonly reported these complications in the study:

  • influenza-associated pneumonia
  • acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Out of those who had a neurologic condition who died from 2009 H1N1 influenza-associated infection, 75% also had another severe condition that gave them a higher chance of flu complications, such as:

  • a metabolic disorder
  • a pulmonary disorder
  • a chromosomal abnormality
  • heart disease

In order to inform people of the importance of flu prevention and treatment in these high risk kids, CDC is joining forces with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Voices, and Families Fighting Flu. They want parents to understand the potentially severe outcomes these kids will face if they are infected with the flu; because even since H1N1, a high number of children with neurologic conditions are still dying because of influenza-related causes.

Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, CDC Director, believes that by working with the American Academy of Pediatrics, influenza advocacy groups, and family led-organizations, they can help kids at highest risk stay away from influenza.

In order to promote awareness about flu prevention and treatment in pediatric patients with these disorders, the organizations are trying to coordinate communication activities with primary care clinicians, parents and caregivers, developmental pediatricians, and neurologists.

Robert W. Block, M.D., president of the AAP, explained:

“Our network of physicians is committed to influenza prevention in all children, and especially in reducing complications in those children at higher risk for experiencing severe outcomes as a result of influenza-like illness. This coalition can more broadly engage the entire community of child caregivers to express how serious flu can be for these children. These efforts emphasize why the medical home is so important for children and youth with special health care needs.”

Family Voices, a national organization led by families, supports families and their kids with special health care needs. President of the Family Voices Board of Directors and also a parent of a child with special needs, Ruth Walden, said, “It’s frightening to think that flu can potentially lead to so many complications or even death. We’re pleased to see organizations working together to educate families and providers about the importance of prevention.”

Families Fighting Flu is an advocacy group who’s main purpose is to prevent influenza, and have also reached out to many families who have lost loved ones because of the flu. “Throughout the years we’ve seen firsthand how flu can affect these kids and their families’ lives. We understand that prevention is absolutely critical,” said Laura Scott, executive director of Families Fighting Flu. “Working with other groups only expands our mission of keeping kids safe throughout the flu season.”

Everyone older than 6 months of age, even those at high risk of developing severe complications, should receive an annual influenza vaccination because it is the best prevention method out there, according to CDC. A second line of defense against flu is antiviral drugs, which can treat flu illness.

Written by Sarah Glynn