Although Reye’s syndrome is serious, the majority of children and young adults who develop it will survive, and some will make a full recovery, according to the NHS.
Moreover, even though a number of studies suggest a link between the development of Reye’s syndrome and the use of aspirin, it has not been proven to be the sole cause, according to The National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation UK charity.
“These studies did not prove that aspirin is the only cause of Reye’s syndrome but showed that it can precipitate it in the presence of other factors such as a viral infection and possibly some innate susceptibility,” the website states.
Because there are alternatives, there is no need to use aspirin for feverish illnesses in childhood, the charity says.