Reye’s Syndrome

What is Reye’s Syndrome?

Reye’s syndrome is an acquired disorder of the brain that occurs in children. It occurs in young children after an illness that is accompanied by a fever – usually influenza (flu) or varicella (chicken pox) infection. The symptoms of Reye’s syndrome are:

• Recurrent vomiting
• Agitation
• Lethargy that may lead to coma
• Death may result from Reye’s syndrome

Parents and caregivers should not give aspirin to children or young teenagers with a fever. Aspirin has been shown to increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome in children and young teenagers.