In the News
Fever, headache, cough and a runny nose are common symptoms we link to the flu. But occasionally, when someone catches flu B, an unusual sign can appear: a red, itchy rash. According to Zachary Hoy, M.D., a board-certified pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix® Centennial Hospitalist of Nashville, a rash could be “due to the interaction of influenza virus with the body’s own antibodies (immune proteins) that can flare up during influenza infection.” Dr. Hoy noted “several studies found red (erythematous) rash with school children affected with influenza B during the 2013-2014 and during 2009 H1N1 pandemic.” The only way to avoid an influenza B rash is to prevent contracting the illness. “There doesn’t seem to be good prevention due to not understanding the mechanism of rash or exactly why it appears in certain patients,” said Dr. Hoy. “The best thing to do to prevent it is to prevent getting influenza.”
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