Fever, headache, cough, runny nose — these are all symptoms we typically associate with influenza. However, sometimes, an unexpected and unusual symptom can pop up when infected with flu B: an itchy, red rash.
My 8-year-old son was recently diagnosed with flu B after he developed a fever and other typical flu symptoms. But he also had a bumpy rash all over his back and arms, which his doctor revealed is an uncommon side effect of the illness.
Studies have linked flu B with a rash, but as a mom, I had never heard of this symptom until my son’s appointment. This is likely due to the fact that a rash is generally associated with other conditions, so discovering a rash wouldn’t necessarily make you think you have contracted the flu.
HuffPost chatted with infectious disease experts to learn more about this surprising symptom and how it can be treated.
Why might a red rash be a side effect of Flu B and who experiences it the most?
