The NHS warns against giving aspirin to children under 16 due to a rare risk of Reye’s syndrome.

The NHS warns against giving aspirin to children under 16 unless prescribed, due to a rare but serious risk of Reye’s syndrome, a condition linked to viral infections like flu or chickenpox. Symptoms—such as vomiting, confusion, and seizures—can appear one to three weeks after illness and require immediate hospital care. While the exact cause is unknown, salicylates in aspirin are suspected contributors, though a direct link isn’t confirmed. Health authorities advise avoiding over-the-counter aspirin for children to prevent potential harm.