As flu season peaks, parents are on high alert for common symptoms like fever, chills, and fatigue. However, one nurse warns that flu can sometimes present in unexpected ways, making early diagnosis difficult.

The CDC reports that 202 children died from the flu in the 2023-2024 season, the highest since 2009-2010. They stress that flu is more dangerous than the common cold, urging vaccination and early treatment to reduce risks.

However, detecting the flu early can be challenging when symptoms don’t follow the usual pattern.

Itchy Child: A Surprising Symptom

Brodi Willard, a nurse and mother, was caught off guard 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 shared in a Facebook post, alongside a photo of Seb’s hive-covered arm.

Concerned, she reached out to his pediatrician, only to learn that two other children had reported the same unusual reaction that day—and both had 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 identifies four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D.

Among them, influenza A and B are the most common in humans, triggering seasonal flu outbreaks almost every winter.

While influenza A can infect both humans and animals, influenza B is only found in people, which might explain why it hasn’t caused pandemics like its counterpart.

According to Healthline, during the 2022-2023 flu season, influenza A made up over 97% of reported cases, while influenza B accounted for just over 23% worldwide.

Although less prevalent, influenza B is still highly contagious and, in severe cases, can lead to life-threatening complications.

Common Symptoms of Influenza B:

• Fever
• Cough
• Headache

Respiratory Symptoms:

• Congestion
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

Healthline cautions that flu-related respiratory issues can be severe and may lead to further health complications.

However, Willard’s son showed none of the typical symptoms. She urges parents to stay alert:

“Please keep watch on your children. 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.”

Fortunately, after receiving Tamiflu, her son recovered quickly.

“He’s still playing and running around,” she told NBC affiliate First Alert 6.

“Crazy stuff”

She wasn’t the only one taken aback by these unusual symptoms.

One Facebook user shared her experience on Willard’s viral post, which has been shared over 256,000 times: “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 viral hives before! Of course, her temp spiked while she was napping, so I’m sure that didn’t help.”

Another commenter was equally surprised: “I had influenza B over a week ago, no fever or body aches, and no hives—just a terrible cold… crazy stuff.”

Someone else chimed in with a similar experience: “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.”

Meanwhile, another user expressed her shock over the strange 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, emphasizing that flu vaccine production is a “year-round effort.”

Senior Epidemiologist Dr. Anne O’Keefe from the Douglas Co. Health Department highlighted the need for annual updates. “It always changes slightly,” she 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 reaches its peak, staying informed and proactive is crucial. Be aware of all symptoms—even the unexpected ones—and always prioritize your child’s well-being.

Did you know that hives can sometimes be a symptom of influenza? Let us know your thoughts, and don’t forget to share this story to help spread awareness of lesser-known flu symptoms!