They renamed it Flurona, crasis of the English words “flu” (flu) and “corona (virus)”. The first rare case of infection generated by the simultaneous presence of Covid and flu was diagnosed in Israel, on a young woman who arrived in labor at Rabin Medical Center by Petah Tikva, not far from Tel Aviv, who had flu-like symptoms and had not been vaccinated against seasonal flu or Covid-19.
As reported by the Israeli newspaper Ynet, to the young woman in childbirth – who is currently fine – flu and coronavirus were diagnosed at the same time, since both tests she had undergone upon her arrival were positive, both at a first and a second control.
Flurona, what are the symptoms
Although at the moment this is the only confirmed case, undiagnosed «flurona» infections could be many. Also because very often it is difficult to distinguish the symptoms: both in the case of Covid-19 and influenza, the underlying symptomatology is common, characterized by cough, fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches and similar. In the case of the Omicron variant, the symptoms appear lighter – especially among the vaccinated population – with a prevalence of colds and sore throats, while loss of taste and smell, particularly common during the first waves, now seem less frequent. Generally, it is not possible to distinguish simply through symptoms between Covid and flu and the only possibility of differentiation is to perform a special swab.
According to some studies, 3% of Covid positives would also live with other viral infections, including flu. Furthermore, during the onset of the pandemic, it was estimated that these cases of co-infection were around 12%, but the use of a mask, also effective against influenza viruses, had not yet become mandatory. It must also be considered that once Covid 19 is diagnosed with a molecular swab, the patient is treated for that pathology and the possible presence of other viruses is not ascertained.
Generally, coinfection is not unusual. In influenza pandemics, bacterial co-infections are one of the main causes of death, but these are still less common cases among Covid-19 positive subjects. It is true, however, that in a fragile patient a coinfection can in any case generate a more complicated path, and imply a double load on the respiratory system.
Flurona, how to protect yourself
The best way to protect yourself from Flurona, is get vaccinated against Covid and the flu at the same time. A solution that does not completely exclude the risk of contracting viral infections, but which can certainly reduce the risk of developing serious diseases.
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