As flu season sweeps through communities, many people remain vigilant for common symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, and fatigue. However, when symptoms are less obvious, diagnosing the flu can be challenging. This was the experience of a nurse who is now warning parents after her son developed an unusual flu symptom that initially left her puzzled.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2023-2024 flu season resulted in 202 pediatric deaths—the highest number since the 2009-2010 season when 288 children died from the flu. The CDC emphasizes that flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, millions of children contract seasonal flu, thousands are hospitalized, and some cases result in death. The CDC also stresses that frequent vaccinations and early treatment significantly reduce the risk of severe illness. However, recognizing the need for early treatment can be difficult when flu symptoms appear unexpectedly or present differently than usual.
This was the case for Brodi Willard, a nurse and mother whose young son, Seb, came home from school covered in hives. At first, Willard tried changing her son’s clothes and giving him a bath, hoping to relieve the itching, but nothing helped. “Every time he would scratch, more would appear,” she shared in a Facebook post, which included a photo of Seb’s hive-covered arm. Concerned, Willard contacted her son’s pediatrician, who informed her that two other children had visited the office that day with similar symptoms—and both had tested positive for influenza.
Willard took her son to the doctor the following morning, where he tested positive for influenza B. Surprisingly, Seb exhibited none of the typical flu symptoms—no fever, cough, or runny nose. His only symptom was hives. This experience highlights the unpredictable nature of the flu, especially in children, and the importance of considering flu testing even when symptoms seem unrelated to the virus.
Influenza viruses are classified into four main types: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B are the most common types found in humans and are responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks that occur almost every winter. While influenza A viruses can infect both humans and animals, influenza B viruses are found only in humans. This limited host range may explain why influenza B has not been associated with pandemics. According to Healthline, during the 2022-2023 flu season, influenza A accounted for over 97% of cases, while influenza B was responsible for just over 23% of cases globally. Despite its lower prevalence, influenza B is highly contagious and can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
The most common symptoms of influenza B include fever, coughing, and headaches. Respiratory symptoms often include coughing, congestion, sore throat, and a runny nose. Healthline warns that influenza-related respiratory symptoms may be more severe than those of the common cold and can lead to additional health complications. However, Willard’s son experienced none of these symptoms, leading her to caution other parents to remain alert for unexpected signs of the flu. “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,” she wrote. Fortunately, after being prescribed Tamiflu, Seb quickly recovered and was soon back to playing and running around as usual.
Willard’s experience resonated with many parents, as evidenced by the response to her viral Facebook post, which has been shared over 256,000 times. One parent commented, “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 temperature spiked while she was napping, so I’m sure that didn’t help.” Another Facebook user shared their experience, writing, “I had influenza B over a week ago—no fever or body aches, and no hives, just a terrible cold…crazy stuff.” A third commenter added, “Wow, I had hives recently too and couldn’t figure out why! Had a few headaches and felt sort of tired—nothing else though. How weird—I hope I don’t have it.” Yet another expressed surprise at the unusual symptom, saying, “That’s so crazy—I’ve never heard of that! I hope he feels better soon.”
In light of these experiences, medical experts continue to stress the importance of flu vaccines as the most effective way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that developing a flu vaccine is a year-round effort due to the virus’s ability to change from one season to the next. “It always changes slightly,” noted Dr. Anne O’Keefe, Senior Epidemiologist with the Douglas County Health Department, in an interview with 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.”
Ultimately, Willard’s story serves as a reminder that flu symptoms are not always straightforward. Parents should remain vigilant for unexpected signs, including hives, and consult their pediatrician if their child develops unusual symptoms. While influenza B may be less common than influenza A, it is no less contagious or dangerous. Staying informed, seeking early treatment, and ensuring children receive their annual flu vaccine are essential steps in protecting children from the flu and its potential complications.
