This mom is warning parents of a little-known flu symptom
We are smack-dab in the middle of a particularly deadly flu season. It’s been especially bad for kids, who have weaker immune systems than adults, and often spend their days in schools and daycare centers, which are known to be breeding grounds for germs. With all that in mind, it’s common for kids to come home at the end of a day with new ailments. Now one mom is taking to social media to warn others of a flu symptom she didn’t even know to look out for — hives.
Brodi Willard is a registered nurse and mother of two. When her son, Seb, was sent home from school because he was covered in hives, Willard assumed that giving him a bath would take care of the rash or allergic reaction.
“My son came home from school with hives,” she wrote on Facebook. “Every time he would scratch, more would appear. We tried changing his clothes and giving him a bath, but nothing helped. I called his pediatrician.” The news: Two children had come into the office that day with the same symptoms — and tested positive for influenza.
Willard took her son to the doctor, who confirmed that he tested positive, for influenza B. Surprisingly, apart from the hives outbreak, the boy had no other flu symptoms. After her experience, Willard encouraged others to watch their children and share her post.
“No fever, no cough, and no runny nose. He only has hives,” she wrote, suggesting that parents take note that if their children develop hives, they should call their pediatrician. “I have never heard of this symptom but it is obviously something to be on the lookout for,” she added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 children in the United States have died during the 2017-2018 influenza season, making it the most dangerous in recent years. Willard is hopeful others will keep a close eye on unusual symptoms.
Her post received more than 220,000 shares and 13,000 comments. Many people tagged loved ones, and others thanked Willard and wished her son a speedy recovery.
“I hope and pray he gets better soon, and thank you so much for letting us know that way we can share with other friends and family,” wrote one follower.
“My grand daughter had this but had the flu first and hives appeared at the end. Doctor said it was the virus trying to exit her body. Scary stuff!” added another.
Willard told WOWT her son has been doing much better since visiting the doctor.
“They put him on the Tamiflu, and he’s been fine,” she said. “He’s still playing and running around.”
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