CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The holidays are now behind us, but flu season is just ramping up.
And this year, some parents are saying influenza robbed their children of the ability to walk.
THE QUESTION
Can the flu cause a patient to become paralyzed?
THE ANSWER
Yes, the flu can cause temporary paralysis, but doctors say it’s very rare and usually temporary.
THE SOURCES
WHAT WE FOUND
While the flu season is active in January, the CDC said it spikes in February. Novant Health Lead Clinician Utibe Effiong said that’s why you need to make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
"It is the time to get vaccinated against COVID, against the flu is the time to get vaccinated against RSV," he said.
If someone does catch the flu, Effiong said one of the possible side effects could be paralysis. One of the first signs, Effiong said, is numbness and tingling in your feet.
“So you begin to feel you know, from the toes, and then the legs or maybe the ties, the hip and things like that," he said.
But Effiong stressed that paralysis from the flu or any other viral infection is incredibly rare.
“So the good thing is that a very rare condition," Effiong said.
If this does happen to you or a loved one, he said most times it’s temporary.
"Within several weeks to a couple of months they will recover completely with no lasting effect," he said.
But still, he said now is the time to practice healthy hygiene and ensure you follow guidelines for preventative care.
“Washing your hands, simple things, and washing and keeping a healthy diet," he said.
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