Reye Syndrome: A Rare Illness That Follows a Viral Infection

Reye syndrome is a rare illness that can affect the blood, liver and brain of someone who has recently had a viral infection. It always follows another illness. It mostly affects children and teenagers, but anyone can get it, and it is most common during flu season. It can come on quickly and without warning.

Warning signs

• Nausea and vomiting
• Listlessness
• A change in personality, such as irritability, aggression or confusion
• Delirium
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If these appear soon after a viral illness, get medical help at once. Reye syndrome can lead to coma and brain death, so fast diagnosis and treatment are critical.

Treatment

There is no cure. Treatment aims to prevent brain damage.

Aspirin

The cause is unknown, but studies show that taking aspirin raises the risk. That is why health care professionals now recommend other pain relievers for young patients.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Reye Syndrome," from the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://medlineplus.gov/reyesyndrome.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.