As flu season hits hard and affects people across the country, many are staying alert for the usual telltale symptoms: fever, chills, cough, and fatigue. However, sometimes the flu can present itself in unexpected ways, making it difficult for parents and even medical professionals to recognize. One nurse recently shared a surprising experience that left her baffled and prompted her to warn other parents about a lesser-known symptom of the flu that affected her son.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the 2023-2024 flu season, 202 children tragically lost their lives to the flu. This marks the highest pediatric death toll since the 2009-2010 season when 288 children died from influenza-related complications. The CDC emphasizes that flu illnesses are far more dangerous for children than the common cold. Each year, millions of children contract the flu, thousands require hospitalization, and sadly, some do not survive. The CDC advises that getting vaccinated annually and beginning treatment early can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness.
Early treatment is critical, but recognizing the flu isn’t always straightforward—especially when it shows up in unusual ways. For Brodi Willard, a nurse and mother, the flu didn’t come with fever or a cough. Instead, her young son developed hives all over his body, a symptom she hadn’t previously associated with influenza. After he came home from school covered in itchy red welts, she tried giving him a bath and changing his clothes, hoping it was an allergic reaction. However, nothing eased his discomfort. In a Facebook post that quickly gained widespread attention, Willard shared a photo of her son Seb’s arm, covered in hives, and detailed her confusion and concern.
When Willard contacted her son’s pediatrician, she learned that two other children had been seen that same day with similar symptoms. Both of those children tested positive for influenza. She brought Seb in for a flu test, and to her surprise, he tested positive for Influenza B. “He had no symptoms. No fever, no cough, no runny nose. Just hives,” she wrote.
Influenza viruses are classified into four types: A, B, C, and D. The most common strains affecting humans are types A and B, which are responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks nearly every winter. Influenza A viruses can infect both humans and various animals, contributing to the possibility of pandemics. Influenza B, on the other hand, is only found in humans and typically causes less widespread outbreaks. According to Healthline, Influenza A accounted for over 97% of flu cases during the 2022-2023 season, while Influenza B was responsible for just over 23% of global cases. Despite being less common, Influenza B is still highly contagious and can result in serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
Typical symptoms of Influenza B include fever, coughing, and headaches. Respiratory symptoms may also occur, such as sore throat, congestion, and a runny nose. Healthline cautions that respiratory symptoms associated with the flu can be severe and may lead to further health issues. In Seb’s case, none of the classic signs were present—only hives, which led his mother to encourage other parents to stay vigilant. “Please keep an eye on your kids,” she wrote. “If they develop hives, contact your pediatrician. I had never heard of this symptom, but clearly, it’s something we should all be aware of.”
Fortunately, Seb was prescribed Tamiflu, an antiviral medication used to treat the flu, and he responded well to treatment. “He’s been fine,” Willard told NBC affiliate First Alert 6. “He’s still running around and playing.”
Her post sparked a flood of responses from parents who had witnessed similar experiences with their children. One parent commented, “My almost 4-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! Her fever spiked during the nap, so that probably didn’t help.” Another shared, “I had Influenza B last week—no fever, no body aches, no hives, just a terrible cold…crazy stuff.” A third person added, “Wow, I recently had hives too and couldn’t figure out why! I had a few headaches and felt tired, but nothing else. How strange—I hope I didn’t have the flu.”
One commenter summed up the shock many felt: “That’s so crazy. I’ve never heard of that! I hope he feels better soon.”
As flu season peaks, medical professionals are stressing the importance of flu vaccinations. “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,” states the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Producing flu vaccines is a year-round effort because the flu virus constantly changes. “It always changes slightly,” said Dr. Anne O’Keefe, Senior Epidemiologist with the Douglas County Health Department, in an interview with First Alert 6. “That’s why we need a new vaccine every year. We monitor how the virus changes in other parts of the world before it reaches us.”
Being aware and informed is key during flu season. Sometimes, symptoms like hives—typically associated with allergies—may actually be a sign of the flu. If your child exhibits any unusual symptoms, even in the absence of typical flu indicators, it’s always best to consult your pediatrician. Early detection and treatment can make a huge difference in recovery.
Did you know that hives can be a symptom of the flu? Let us know your thoughts, and be sure to share this story to help others recognize the unexpected ways the flu can present itself.
