Viruses can cause acute hives and they have also been linked to chronic hives.1,2
In acute hives (lasting less than 6 weeks) a virus is a common cause, especially in children.1 Acute urticaria will usually resolve on its own. If hives and itch are interfering with your quality of life, there are effective treatment options. For some of these treatments you need to be in the care of an immunologist or dermatologist. Speak to your GP about a referral to an urticaria specialist.
Explore on this site
What are the causes of hives (urticaria)? Can temperature cause hives (urticaria)? Chronic urticaria (hives) causes – what are they?
Locate a specialist
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Skin Cancer Foundation Australasian College of Dermatologists
References
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA HP Position Paper Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Guidelines 2020. Available from https://allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ASCIA_HP_Position_Paper_CSU_2020.pdf Accessed July 2024.
- Bernstein JA et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 133:1270-1277.
