CAN A RASH BE A SYMPTOM OF THE FLU?

Medically reviewed by Amelia MacIntyre, DO

Rashes caused by the flu are uncommon but possible. According to older research, roughly 2% of people who have the influenza A strain of flu will develop a rash. A 2011 study suggests a rash is more common in children, revealing 9.6% of children with confirmed H1N1 pandemic influenza exhibited a rash.

In rare cases, when a rash does develop, it will appear as red or purple splotches on the skin, depending on your skin color. The rash appears red in lighter skin tones and purple in darker skin tones. Other types of viral infections can also present with rashes.

This article discusses ways to identify a flu rash, what causes it to develop, and the available treatment options.

How a Flu Rash Looks

When a flu rash develops, it typically does so on the face and torso. That said, it can also spread to the extremities in some cases. Types of rashes associated with the flu and how they appear include:

  • Petechial: These rashes appear as small, pinpoint-like spots on the skin.
  • Macular: These rashes develop as flat discolorations of the skin.
  • Morbilliform: These rashes look like flat pink or red spots. Once the rash spreads, the spots can become raised.
  • Erythematous: These rashes start as red (or pink) round and slightly raised spots.
  • Pruritic: These rashes are red and scaly patches that can form into plaques.

A rash alone does not indicate the flu, but it can accompany classic symptoms of the flu, which are:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Chills
  • Sweats
  • Feeling generally unwell
  • Muscle aches and pain

Could Rash Be From the Flu or Something Else?

Many other illnesses can cause a rash to develop, including:

Related: Flu-Like Symptoms and Their Causes

Why Rash Is a Secondary Flu Symptom

Rashes are secondary flu symptoms because they are uncommon and not typically correlated with flu infections. That said, there is a connection between rashes and flu vaccinations, even though developing a rash after a flu shot is rare.

When a flu shot causes a rash, it typically develops around the site where the needle was injected into the skin. In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the flu shot can lead to a rash.

Flu Vaccine Allergic Reaction Symptoms

A severe allergic reaction to a flu shot may also cause other symptoms to develop, such as:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hoarseness or wheezing
  • Swelling around the lips or eyes
  • Pale skin
  • Weakness
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Increased heart rate

Learn More: Allergic Reactions to the Flu Shot

Treatment for a Flu-Related Rash

Flu-related rashes can clear up on their own once the virus has run its course. The primary flu treatment of rest and fluids is typically suggested for all symptoms, including rash. That said, people with more severe cases of the flu may have to take antiviral medications to help the body get rid of the virus, which will also clears the rash.

Getting Treatment Early

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting antiviral treatment within the first few days of illness is the best way to knock out the infection faster and avoid complications, such as pneumonia.

Related: How Long Does the Flu Last?

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you have flu symptoms along with a rash, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to determine the extent of your illness and get a proper diagnosis. Since rashes can develop due to many health conditions and diseases, knowing what is causing yours is essential.

You should also see a healthcare provider if you experience severe flu symptoms or fall into a high-risk category and are more likely to have flu complications. People with the following health conditions fall into this group:

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease

Summary

The flu is a common illness that can cause various symptoms, including cough, chills, fever, and sweats. In some rarer cases, people with the flu may also develop a rash. The rash may present differently in different people, and it is more common in children with the flu than in adults.

Since the flu is a viral infection, treatment often involves resting and drinking lots of fluids, such as water, tea, or clear broth. There is no specific treatment for a flu rash. As someone gets better from the flu, their symptoms, including the rash, will disappear.

If you experience other flu symptoms alongside a rash or severe flu symptoms, you must see your healthcare provider. They can ensure that you are treated appropriately and do not develop complications.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.

2024-03-20T16:21:22Z dg43tfdfdgfd