Nurse urges parents to look out for this unusual flu symptom in children

If like us, you’ve been struck down with dose after dose this autumn then you know the usual symptoms of the flu all too well.

However, one nurse issued a warning to parents after her son suffered from an unusual flu symptom many parents don’t know about.

Mum Brodi Willard urged parents to look out for hives on their children’s bodies as they can be a symptom of the flu. She explained that this was the only symptom her son had when he was sent home from school.

She posted a photo of her little boy’s arm which was covered in red hives.

The mum explained that her little boy has no cough, no runny nose, and not even a fever. The only symptom he has is the hives on his skin.

“He has had NO symptoms. No fever, no cough, and no runny nose. He only has hives.”

“My son came home from school with hives. Every time he would scratch, more would appear,” she said on Facebook.

“We tried changing his clothes and giving him a bath, but nothing helped. I called his pediatrician.

“They said they had two kids come into the office that day with the same symptoms and tested positive for influenza.”

The mum continued, “I took him to the doctor this morning, and he tested POSITIVE for INFLUENZA B.”

Brodi, who is also a nurse, continued, “He has had NO symptoms. No fever, no cough, and no runny nose. He only has hives.”

She urged other parents to look out for this symptom because many won’t realise their children have the flu otherwise.

“Please keep watch on your children so 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.”

According to the World Health Organisation, the main symptoms of influenza are a sudden onset fever. Patients will also have a dry cough headache, and muscle and joint pain.

They may also have a runny nose, sore throat, and generally feel unwell.