Mum shares warning for other parents after her son's hives turn out to be a symptom of flu

A mum has issued a warning to other parents about a worrying symptom they might not know is linked to the flu.

In a post on Facebook, Brodi Willard explained how she sought medical attention after discovering her little boy had hives he was unable to shake off. Worryingly, a trip to see the doctor confirmed he was much more poorly than she initially thought.

'PLEASE READ AND SHARE: My son came home from school with hives. Every time he would scratch, more would appear. We tried changing his clothes and giving him a bath, but nothing helped. I called his paediatrician. They said they had two kids come into the office that day with the same symptoms and tested POSITIVE FOR INFLUENZA,' she wrote.

'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. Please keep watch on your children so if they develop hives, please call your paediatrician. I have never heard of this symptom but it is obviously something to be on the lookout for.'

[facebook] https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155090329957377&set=a.10150257247682377.321997.648617376&type=3&theater [/facebook]

While Influenza A is most often associated with the winter months, Influenza B is a type of flu that can infect an individual at any type of the year.

Influenza B mutates at a slower pace than type A and is almost exclusive to humans.

It's hardly surprising that Brodi's message struck a cord among thousands of other parents on the social networking site.

The shock warning amassed 215,847 shares in a matter of day and was commented on over 13,000 times by other parents who shared the mum's concern and heeded her warning.

'Praying for this child and for his fast and full recovery , thank you for sharing,' said one.

Another told Brodi that one of their loved-ones had experienced the same thing.

They added: 'My grand daughter had flu 2 weeks ago and now started breaking out.'

If you are worried about any unusual symptoms in your child, seek medical advice as soon as possible.