Which statement about aspirin use in children with viral illnesses is correct?

• A. Risk of Reye's syndrome if given during a viral illness
• B. Increased risk of dehydration
• C. Interferes with vaccines
• D. Causes kidney failure

Answer: (A)

When a child has a viral illness, the major safety concern with aspirin is the risk of Reye's syndrome. This is a rare but serious condition that can cause swelling in the liver and brain, leading to vomiting, confusion, and potentially life-threatening complications. Because of this strong association, aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers during viral infections.

That’s why the statement about aspirin causing Reye’s syndrome in the setting of a viral illness is the best choice. For fever or pain in kids, safer alternatives are acetaminophen or ibuprofen, used with appropriate dosing and precautions. Dehydration, vaccines, or kidney failure are not the primary or specific risks linked to giving aspirin to a child with a viral illness, although dehydration can complicate NSAID use in general and vaccines aren’t affected by aspirin in this context.