Why Is Flu Turning Deadly For Kids?

PITTSBURGH -- Federal health officials said they have a better idea of why the flu is striking down young kids across the country.

Doctors said flu complications for children can include pneumonia, kidney and heart failure and possible brain damage. But this year, doctors said a serious form of staph infection seems to be the biggest challenge.

Staph bacteria can live harmlessly on many skin surfaces, especially around the nose and mouth. Staph infections occur when the skin is punctured or broken, such as when children put their fingers in their noses and break the skin. The viral infection gets into that site and causes an infection, doctor said.

Right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention isn't sure if the infection is drug-resistant.

"But it would not at all be surprising to see a drug-resistant staph infection complicate a child or adult with influenza. (It's) not a surprise, but adds a complexity to the treatment," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, CDC director.

A Pittsburgh-area pediatrician said staph-related complications from flu are very uncommon to be fatal in children; 99 percent of all children fully recover from staph-related infections.