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:
