Can influenza cause febrile seizures?

A febrile seizure is a seizure associated with fever in a child, usually during an infection. The child may stiffen, jerk, become unresponsive, or briefly lose awareness. Influenza is one infection that can cause fever; the seizure is linked to the fever response rather than proof that influenza has directly infected the brain.

Most episodes stop on their own, but the first seizure should be medically assessed because other causes can look similar. A clinician may ask about the duration, movements, recovery and symptoms before the fever.

Place the child on a safe surface on their side, move nearby objects away, loosen tight clothing and observe the time. Do not restrain the movements, put anything in the mouth, or offer food, drink or medicine until the child is fully alert. Afterward, keep the child comfortable and follow the clinician’s fever and influenza advice.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than the local emergency threshold, breathing is difficult, the child does not wake normally, or another seizure follows soon after. Seek urgent assessment for a first seizure, one-sided movements, a stiff neck, a spreading rash, or marked illness. Do not drive while the child is actively seizing.

Ask how to record a seizure, when fever medicine is appropriate, whether a rescue medicine is needed, and which symptoms would require emergency help.