This flu season is already shaping up to be a dangerous one for kids.
A new CDC report finds that cases of influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE)—a rare but devastating complication where the flu attacks the brain are on the rise. Last season alone, 109 children were diagnosed.
Doctors stress that flu shots are the most effective way to prevent hospitalizations and severe complications yet vaccination rates continue to fall — fewer than half of U.S. children got a flu shot last year, compared to more than 60% pre-pandemic.
Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to offer insight about flu season. To schedule an interview with an expert, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaumgwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Elizabeth Choma is a pediatric nurse practitioner and clinical assistant professor at the GW School of Nursing.
April Barbour is an internist with the GW Medical Faculty Associates and an associate professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Charles Baron is a primary care provider and assistant professor of medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the GW Medical Faculty Associates and GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Elizabeth Bluhm is an internist at the GW Medical Faculty Associates and an assistant professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Adriana Glenn is an assistant professor in the GW School of Nursing.
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