Influenza In Children Should Not Be Considered Trivial, Can Disrupt Brain Function!

JAKARTA - Influenza or what is often called flu is one of the most common diseases that attacks children. However, influenza management must be done properly, especially in children.

This is because influenza can develop quickly and trigger serious conditions in some children. Including risks related to the brain if the infection has spread.

Pediatrician Eka Hospital Depok, dr. Nadine Shakina Tabit, Sp.A, said that influenza virus does not only attack respiratory tracts. This virus can also spread through the bloodstream when infection is severe, which can affect other important organs, especially the brain.

"The problem is that when he is exposed, we have a blood circulation channel. This can also carry the virus everywhere. It can also be the demand there (brain)," said doctor Nadine during a media briefing in South Jakarta, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

However, Doctor Nadine explained that the process of spreading the virus to the brain did not occur in a short time. The virus takes time to develop, so close monitoring in the early stages of illness becomes very important.

Parents are advised to immediately take their children to the hospital to treat further influenza. Especially if there are symptoms of seizures, due to high fever, dehydration, medical treatment should not be postponed.

If the handling is late and the virus has spread, it can affect the brain with the risk of delays in development (delay) in children. This condition can be permanent, which will later affect children's growth and development.

"If it's closed, permanent. Especially in the first two years, right, that's why until the government also has the first thousand days of life (HPK), because the child's brain growth is there," he concluded.