ATTENTION

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Access more info and resources on suicide prevention, emotional and mental health support

toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Reye syndrome

Reye syndrome

Reye syndrome is a very rare but serious disease that is most likely to occur in children younger than 15 years of age. The exact cause is not known, but it is linked with children who have recently had chickenpox (varicella), a cold, or flu (influenza) and taken aspirin.

The disease primarily targets the brain and liver and can cause drowsiness, confusion, seizures, coma, and in severe cases, death. The symptoms usually develop 3 to 7 days after the viral illness starts. Reye syndrome is not contagious.

All children with Reye syndrome are treated in a hospital intensive care unit, and most recover in a few weeks. But some children develop lasting brain damage. Early treatment increases the chance for full recovery.

Aspirin or aspirin products should not be given to anyone younger than 20, unless they are specifically prescribed by a doctor. Aspirin is also called acetyl salicylate, acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid, salicylate, or subsalicylate. Aspirin products are found in over-the-counter medicines such as Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, and Alka-Seltzer.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.