Cerebral Palsy May Worsen Flu

9/24/2012 11:00 AM EST

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics has released a new study that links neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy with an increased likelihood of passing away due to flu-related complications.

The study, which was published in the journal Pediatrics, analyzed deaths that were attributed to the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. It found that 64 percent of all children who died from complications related to the illness had some type of neurological disorder – such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or other intellectual disabilities.

The study also found that also found that the most common reason for death among these children was influenza-associated pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

“We’ve known for some time that certain neurologic conditions can put children at high risk for serious complications from influenza,” said Dr. Lyn Finelli, the chief of the surveillance and outbreak response team in CDC’s Influenza Division, according to Forex TV. “However, the high percentage of pediatric deaths associated with neurologic disorders that occurred during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic was a somber reminder of the harm that flu can cause to children with neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders.” 

This study outlines an unfortunate reality for families with a child suffering from a condition such as cerebral palsy: there are many unforeseen medical expenses that come with this type of birth injury. If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, there may be a possibility to pursue a birth injury lawsuit that could result in a settlement that could fund expenses such as this. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a birth injury lawsuit.