Final answer:
Children treated with aspirin for a viral infection may develop Reye's syndrome, a condition that causes brain and liver swelling and can be fatal. Aspirin usage for viral illnesses in individuals under 19 years old is strongly advised against.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition that may occur in children who are treated with aspirin for a viral infection is Reye's syndrome. This serious condition leads to swelling in the liver and brain, which can result in neurological damage, coma, or even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies advise against giving aspirin to children under 19 years old when they have a viral illness, precisely to prevent Reye's syndrome. Furthermore, since 1988, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has required that all aspirin and aspirin-containing products carry a warning label about this risk. The best prevention is to avoid the use of aspirin during viral infections in children and be cautious with medications, such as cold medicines, that may contain aspirin.