Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness that affects millions each year. While often presenting with typical symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches, it can, in rare instances, lead to more severe complications, including seizures in adults. Recognizing this potential association is important for seeking appropriate medical attention.
Understanding the Connection
The flu can trigger seizures in adults through several mechanisms. High fevers during a severe flu infection can sometimes induce febrile seizures in adults, particularly if they have a lowered seizure threshold.
Beyond fever, the body’s inflammatory reaction to the influenza virus can affect the brain. This can manifest as encephalopathy, brain dysfunction resulting from systemic illness, or, less frequently, as encephalitis, direct inflammation of brain tissue. During a severe flu infection, the immune system releases chemicals called cytokines. An excessive release of these cytokines, sometimes termed a “cytokine storm,” can contribute to neuroinflammation and lead to neurological symptoms, including seizures.
Factors Increasing Risk
Individuals with pre-existing neurological disorders, such as epilepsy or a history of seizures, face a higher risk. The stress of a significant infection like the flu can lower their seizure threshold, potentially causing breakthrough seizures. People with weakened immune systems, due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer, or from immunosuppressive medications, are also at increased risk, as their bodies may struggle to contain the infection, leading to more severe illness and complications. Older adults may also exhibit a more fragile physiological response to severe infections, which can elevate their risk for neurological complications. These flu-related seizures typically occur in severe, complicated cases, not mild illness.
Immediate Steps and Medical Care
If an adult experiences a seizure during a flu infection, immediate action is important. During the seizure, gently guide the person to the floor and clear the surrounding area of any objects that could cause injury. Place a soft, flat object under their head for cushioning. Loosen any tight clothing around their neck to aid breathing.
Do not restrain the person or attempt to put anything in their mouth, as this can cause harm. Time the seizure if possible.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if:
- It is the person’s first seizure.
- The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
- They have another seizure soon after the first one.
- The person has difficulty breathing or waking up after the seizure.
- They sustain an injury during the seizure.
- The seizure occurs in water.
- The person has a pre-existing health condition like diabetes or heart disease.
- The person is pregnant.
- The person has a fever.
After the seizure subsides, help the person sit in a safe place to recover. Contact their doctor for follow-up care even if emergency services were not required.
Reducing Your Risk
Taking proactive steps can help reduce the risk of flu and its potential complications. The most effective preventative measure is getting an annual flu vaccination. The flu shot helps the immune system develop antibodies, which reduces the risk of contracting the flu and mitigates the severity of illness and its associated complications.
Practicing good hygiene is beneficial. Regularly washing hands with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public, helps prevent the spread of germs. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth can further reduce the chance of infection.
For individuals with chronic neurological or other health conditions, diligently managing these conditions is important to minimize overall health risks. Seeking prompt medical advice for severe flu symptoms, particularly for high-risk individuals, may allow for early antiviral treatment, which can lessen the duration and severity of the illness.