Reminder issued about Reye’s syndrome





With the anticipated arrival of influenza season this winter, state Health Director Diana Bonta is reminding parents and physicians that children and teenagers should not be given aspirin while they’re suffering from flu or flu-like illnesses or from chickenpox.


"When used to treat viral infections such as the flu or chickenpox, salicylates––the main ingredients found in aspirin––have been associated with the development of a rare condition known as Reye’s syndrome," Bonta said. "This is a severe disease that can lead to coma, brain damage and death."


Children and teenagers with symptoms suggestive of the flu should avoid aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin as treatment. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, coughing and sometimes sore throat. Instead of aspirin, health officials recommend taking medicines that contain acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, Datril, Liquiprim and Tempra.


"If children and teenagers have flu symptoms, it is very important for parents to remember not to give them aspirin as a remedy," Bonta said.



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