In which illness is aspirin use especially associated with Reye syndrome?

• A. A bacterial infection such as strep throat
• B. A mild viral illness
• C. A viral illness (influenza or varicella)
• D. Dehydration from diarrheal illness

Answer: (C)

Aspirin should never be given to children during viral illnesses because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes sudden brain swelling and liver failure. The strongest, most well-known risk occurs when aspirin is used during illnesses like influenza or varicella (chickenpox). Historically, many Reye syndrome cases appeared in children who had influenza or chickenpox and were given aspirin, which led to a clear public health warning and a shift away from giving aspirin to kids in these situations. That’s why the correct choice points to a viral illness such as influenza or varicella.

The other scenarios don’t carry the same well-established link. A bacterial infection like strep throat isn’t the classic trigger for Reye syndrome, a generic “mild” viral illness isn’t the specific high-risk pairing clinicians emphasize, and dehydration from diarrheal illness isn’t associated with this risk in the same way.