Each year, millions of people around the world catch the flu. For most, it’s a temporary inconvenience—fever, fatigue, cough, and days off work or school. But emerging research shows that in some cases, influenza can go far beyond the lungs, with severe and long-lasting effects on the brain. This little-known phenomenon is sometimes called “Flu Brain,” and its consequences for cognitive function can be alarming.
When the Flu Affects the Brain
While influenza is typically known as a respiratory illness, it can occasionally lead to complications in the central nervous system. One of the most severe manifestations of this is Influenza-Associated Encephalopathy (IAE). This condition occurs when the virus breaches the blood-brain barrier, often entering through specialized endothelial cells.
IAE can cause symptoms ranging from confusion and seizures to coma—and in rare cases, death. It is seen most often in children, but adult cases have been documented as well. One of the most concerning aspects of IAE is that commonly used antiviral drugs may not be effective in treating it. Promising studies in animal models suggest that treatments targeting viral protein production may offer better outcomes, potentially reducing brain damage and improving survival.
Cognitive Symptoms Beyond Encephalopathy
Even in the absence of such extreme complications, the flu can disrupt normal brain function. People with influenza often experience sluggishness, fatigue, and poor concentration. Researchers have traced these symptoms to an immune response that involves the release of prostaglandins—chemical messengers that help the body fight off infection but also cause that unmistakable “sick” feeling.
This neurological response is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism, but it can impair your ability to function mentally and physically for days or even weeks.
The Lingering Shadow: Long Flu
Much like the “long COVID” that has become a widely recognized health issue, some individuals also experience prolonged effects following a severe bout of influenza. In fact, studies comparing COVID-19 and flu patients show a similarly elevated risk of death, hospital readmission, and long-term complications up to 18 months after infection.
These complications often affect the lungs, heart, kidneys, and—increasingly recognized—the brain. Experts believe that widespread inflammation caused by the virus plays a key role in this extended vulnerability, damaging blood vessels and other critical systems throughout the body.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can catch the flu, certain individuals face a higher risk of complications, including neurological ones. Risk factors include:
• Chronic lung conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD)
• Neurological or cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes and obesity
• Liver or kidney disorders
• Weakened immune systems
• Certain racial and ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic Black, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Latino populations
• Pregnancy
Early recognition of worsening symptoms is key to preventing serious outcomes.
Why Monitoring Your Temperature Matters
Fever is often the first indicator that something is wrong. When influenza begins to affect the brain, temperature regulation can also become unstable. Monitoring your body temperature twice daily can help you stay alert to signs of escalating illness—especially during flu season.
Using a reliable, easy-to-use, and non-invasive thermometer, such as the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, can make this routine effortless and effective. This device measures body temperature with a simple swipe across the forehead, using infrared technology to detect heat emitted from the temporal artery. It’s quick, hygienic, and suitable for use on children, adults, and the elderly alike.
In the context of flu-related complications—whether respiratory, systemic, or neurological—early detection of fever is essential. Tracking temperature trends can support timely medical consultation, especially for people in high-risk categories.
“Flu Brain” may not be a household term yet, but the neurological impacts of influenza are real and increasingly documented. In rare cases, they can be life-threatening. In many others, they can result in prolonged fatigue, mental fog, and cognitive disruption that extend well beyond the acute phase of illness.
Taking simple steps like monitoring your temperature twice daily—particularly during flu season or when symptoms begin—can provide valuable insights into your health status. With tools like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, it’s easier than ever to stay one step ahead.
Source,
Times New News, https://www.timesnownews.com/health/what-is-flu-brain-know-its-horrifying-effects-on-your-cognitive-function-article-118147272
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