Flu puts kids at risk

INFLUENZA has been linked to a deadly brain disease in Australian children, prompting calls for a universal flu vaccination program.

During the past three flu seasons, 54 cases of potentially fatal influenza-associated neurological disease were recorded among children aged up to 16 at two Australian hospitals, according to a University of Sydney study.

Of the 54 cases of IAND, 10 children became critically ill with influenza-associated encephalitis, two of whom died, while three suffered permanent brain damage.