As flu season sweeps across communities, parents remain on high alert for the typical symptoms—fever, chills, body aches, and persistent coughing. However, when a child presents with unexpected signs, diagnosing the flu can become a challenge. One mother, who is also a nurse, recently shared her story after her son developed an unusual flu symptom that left her completely puzzled.
A Flu Season Like No Other
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2023-2024 flu season recorded 202 pediatric deaths—the highest number since the 2009-2010 season, when 288 child fatalities were reported. The flu is significantly more dangerous than the common cold, and each year, millions of children contract the virus. Many are hospitalized, and some tragically succumb to complications associated with the illness.
The CDC emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective method of reducing the risk of severe illness. However, early treatment is just as crucial. The problem arises when the flu presents itself in unusual ways, making early detection difficult for parents and healthcare providers alike.
A Puzzling Case: When Flu Doesn’t Look Like the Flu
Brodi Willard, a nurse and mother, experienced firsthand how deceptive flu symptoms can be. One afternoon, her young son came home from school covered in hives—itchy, red welts spreading rapidly across his skin. Concerned but not immediately suspecting the flu, Willard tried several common remedies, including changing his clothes and giving him a bath. Nothing helped. The hives continued to spread each time he scratched.
Willard sought medical advice and soon discovered that two other children in her community had exhibited the same mysterious symptom that day. Both of those children had tested positive for influenza. Her son’s diagnosis followed shortly after: he had influenza B, despite showing no typical flu symptoms—no fever, no cough, no congestion. Just hives.
Understanding Influenza B and Its Unusual Symptoms
Influenza viruses are categorized into four types: A, B, C, and D. The most common types affecting humans are influenza A and B, which cause seasonal epidemics nearly every winter.
- Influenza A: Can infect humans and many animal species, making it more prone to causing pandemics.
- Influenza B: Only found in humans, with a more limited host range, which may explain why it hasn’t been linked to pandemics.
According to Healthline, influenza A accounted for more than 97% of flu cases in the 2022-2023 season, while influenza B was responsible for just over 23% of cases worldwide. Despite being less prevalent, influenza B can be just as severe and highly contagious. In some cases, it leads to complications requiring hospitalization.
The most common symptoms of influenza B include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
Respiratory complications are often associated with the flu, and symptoms may intensify in severe cases. However, what happened to Willard’s son suggests that other, less common symptoms, such as hives, should also be considered.
Parental Warnings: A New Symptom to Watch For
Willard took to social media to warn other parents: “If your child suddenly develops hives without an obvious trigger, call your pediatrician. I had never heard of this being a flu symptom, but now I know it’s something to be aware of.”
Her post quickly gained traction, being shared over 256,000 times. Many parents responded with similar experiences, revealing that her son’s case was not as isolated as it seemed.
One parent commented, “My almost four-year-old was diagnosed with influenza B yesterday. She woke up from her nap with welts on her face and wrist. I’ve never seen viral hives before!”
Another person shared their own experience, saying, “I had influenza B a week ago. No fever, no body aches, just a terrible cold… and then the hives appeared. This flu season has been really strange.”
The Importance of Flu Vaccination
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reiterates that getting an annual flu shot is the best way to reduce the risk of flu-related complications. Vaccination efforts continue year-round to ensure the most effective protection against evolving flu strains.
Dr. Anne O’Keefe, a senior epidemiologist with the Douglas County Health Department, explains, “The flu virus changes slightly every year. That’s why we need a new vaccine annually. We monitor the changes in other parts of the world before flu season arrives in the U.S.”
While the flu shot cannot guarantee 100% immunity, it significantly reduces the severity of illness, lowering the risk of hospitalization and death.
Staying Vigilant: Know the Signs, Even the Unexpected Ones
As flu season peaks, staying informed and vigilant can make all the difference. Parents are advised to monitor their children closely, not just for the typical flu symptoms but also for unusual signs like hives. Early detection and medical intervention can lead to a faster recovery and help prevent complications.
Did you know that hives could be a symptom of the flu? Share this information with other parents so they can stay prepared and protect their children this flu season.
