As flu season storms through and claims its many victims, people are on high alert for classic symptoms like fever, chills, cough, and fatigue.
But when the signs aren’t so obvious, diagnosis is tricky, explains a nurse, who’s warning parents after her son developed an uncommon flu symptom that left her scratching her head.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 202 children died from the flu in the 2023 to 2024 season, the highest number since 2009 to 2010 when 288 pediatric deaths were reported.
“Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, millions of children get sick with seasonal flu; thousands of children are hospitalized, and some children die from flu,” the CDC writes, adding the risk of serious illness is reduced with frequent vaccinations and early treatment.
Early treatment, however, can be tricky for parents when the flu manifests as something entirely different.
Itchy child
This is what happened to Brodi Willard, a nurse and a mother, who was puzzled when her young son came home from school, covered in hives.
“Every time he would scratch, more would appear. We tried changing his clothes and giving him a bath, but nothing helped,” Willard writes in her Facebook post that shows Seb’s hive-covered arm.
After Willard called his pediatrician, she was told that two other kids were reported that day to have the same symptoms – both tested positive for influenza.
“I took him to the doctor this morning, and he tested POSITIVE for INFLUENZA B. He has had NO symptoms. No fever, no cough, and no runny nose. He only has hives.”
Influenza B
The CDC explains there are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D.
The most common type found in humans are influenza A and B, both that cause seasonal epidemics of disease in people (known as flu season) almost every winter.
- Influenza A viruses can infect humans and many animals.
- Influenza B viruses are only found in people. The limited host range might explain the lack of pandemics associated with this type.
According to Healthline, the A virus accounted for more than 97% of cases during the 2022-2023 season while influenza B was linked with just over 23% of influenza cases around the world.
Like A, it’s highly contagious and, in more serious cases, may lead to life threatening complications.”
The most common symptoms of type B influenza include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Headaches
Respiratory symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
Healthline warns that “influenza respiratory symptoms may be more severe and can lead to other health complications.”
Willard’s son had none of the listed symptoms and warns parents to “please keep watch on your children.”
She writes, “If they develop hives, please call your pediatrician. I have never heard of this symptom, but it is obviously something to be on the lookout for.”
“They put him on the Tamiflu, and he’s been fine,” she NBC affiliate First Alert 6. “He’s still playing and running around.”
‘Crazy stuff’
She wasn’t the only one shocked over the unusual symptoms.
“My almost 4-year-old was diagnosed with influenza b yesterday. She woke up from her nap today with some welts on her face and wrist. I have never seen a viral hives before! Of course her temp spiked while she was napping so I’m sure that didn’t help,” shares one Facebooker on Willard’s viral post that was shared more than 256,000 times.
A second netizen writes, “I had influenza b over a week ago, no fever or body aches, and no hives just a terrible cold…crazy stuff.”
“Wow I had hives recently too and couldn’t figure out why! Had a few headaches too and was sort of tired nothing else though. How weird I hope I don’t have it,” offers a third.
Another expressed her shock over the unusual symptom: “That’s so crazy I’ve never heard of that! I hope he feels better soon.”
Flu vaccines
“The best way for most people to reduce their risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get a flu vaccine every year,” explains the FDA, adding that making a flu vaccine is a “year-round effort.”
“It always changes slightly,” Senior Epidemiologist Dr. Anne O’Keefe with the Douglas Co. Health Department told First Alert 6. “That’s why we have to have a new vaccine every year. We watch the changes happening in other parts of the world right before it gets here.”
As flu season peaks, staying informed and vigilant can make all the difference. Keep an eye out for all symptoms, even the unexpected ones, and always prioritize your child’s health.
Did you know that hives can be a symptom of influenza? Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story so others can be more aware of unusual flu symptoms!
