• 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!