A rare complication of flu led to the hospitalization of a two-year-old in intensive care

A two-year-old girl is hospitalized in intensive care at Shaare Zedek after a rare complication of the flu. The unvaccinated child developed SIADH syndrome, which caused seizures. Her condition is stable. Hospitals report an early rise in morbidity.

A two-year-old girl is hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem following a rare complication of the flu. The child, with no underlying conditions and unvaccinated against the virus, suffered from fever and vomiting for a day, began convulsing, and was rushed to the emergency room. She tested positive for the flu and was diagnosed with SIADH syndrome – a condition where the body retains excess water due to increased activity of the hormone responsible for fluid regulation, causing a drop in blood sodium levels that can lead to seizures and life-threatening danger. Dr. Giora Weiser, director of the pediatric emergency department, explained that in such cases, fluid intake must be restricted. Dr. Amir Zilka, a senior physician in pediatric intensive care, said her condition is stable and improving, and that this is a known but rare complication in its severity. He emphasized the importance of the annual vaccine. Hospitals report an early increase in morbidity, mainly from influenza type A, and hospitalizations due to complications such as pneumonia. At Shaare Zedek, 10 flu patients are currently hospitalized, three of them in intensive care – the highest number since the start of the season.