What is Flurona?
Epicentre News • 01 February 2022
‘Flurona’ is not a new virus, it’s just someone with COVID-19 and the flu. There’s no evidence to suggest that Flurona is some kind of combined super-virus.
What is Epicentre Doing to Fight Back Against Flurona?
Epicentre’s Cough Check study is screening symptomatic patients for Flu and Covid-19 in Durban, JHB and CT. Epicentre is offering a 3 in 1 flu, cold and COVID test in the comfort of peoples homes to help our clients differentiate if they have flu, Covid-19 or both (Flurona).
Our volunteers self-swab at home and are tested free of charge for Flu, COVID and RSV. If you have a runny nose, sore throat or cough, take part in our Cough Check Study.
Is Flurona New?
The term is new but cases of flurona have occurred throughout the pandemic. Flurona instances have been detected in countries including the United States, Israel, Brazil, the Philippines and Hungary.
In February 2020, a man was admitted to a New York hospital with a severe cough and fever. During this time, New York had not officially reported any cases of COVID. The patient tested positive for influenza and was then tested for the coronavirus. Weeks later, results confirmed that he, along with three family members, had contracted both viruses.
Why has Flurona Been So Active in the News?
The media shockwaves all started when two young pregnant women tested positive for both the coronavirus and influenza in Israel. Due to this, many local and global media outlets dubbed it “flurona” and broadcasted it across the headlines. The Sun, a British tabloid, swiftly branded the coinfection “double trouble.”
Is Flurona More Common This Year?
Flurona is being driven up by the highly contagious Omicron variant. This had made cases of flurona more common across affected countries.
Is Flurona Dangerous?
It’s still unclear if “flurona” causes more severe disease, but health experts don’t want to take any chances and are urging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the Flu. Either way, it’s very clear that having the flu or COVID-19 can be dangerous to one’s health, so patients should take this threat seriously.
What Are The Symptoms of Flurona?
The coronavirus and influenza are respiratory infections, which means they can cause similar symptoms. These symptoms could include fever, coughing, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat and diarrhoea, along with muscle and body aches.
Who is Most At Risk for a Dangerous Infection?
Health workers, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are more at risk for each virus.
