Double infection with coronavirus and flu: how dangerous is "Flurona"?

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Double infection with coronavirus and flu: how dangerous is "Flurona"?
Double infection with coronavirus and flu: how dangerous is "Flurona"?
Anonim

The reports on the so-called Flurona infection has made headlines recently. How concerned should we be when flu season and micro wave collide?

Israeli media recently reported on a person who was hospitalized with symptoms of seasonal flu and Covid-19 at the same time. The unvaccinated woman showed mild symptoms and was discharged without complications.

“Flurona” does not mean a new virus, but a medical case that a person is infected with flu and coronavirus at the same time.

Then this is called double or co-infection ie. with at least two different pathogens

According to the WHO, as early as 2020, people were infected with the flu virus and covid at the same time. And this is not surprising: the flu season happens every year, sometimes stronger, other times weaker. Also, every autumn and winter there is a new corona wave from the end of 2020

How can the double infection of coronavirus and flu be diagnosed?

The signs and symptoms of flu and covid are similar and therefore, are often not recognized as such or only at a later stage. Both pathogens are spread through droplets or small particles in the air we breathe, but they enter cells through different mechanisms. Also, the coronavirus is considered significantly more contagious than the flu.

An accurate diagnosis is only possible with appropriate test procedures. Doctors usually use diagnostic tests that allow them to differentiate between respiratory infections, such as covid and influenza A and B. It is entirely possible that both the coronavirus and the flu test will be positive.

Who is particularly vulnerable?

The groups of people who have an increased risk of getting severe from both covid and flu are very similar. These include people over the age of 60 and those with pre-existing conditions. For them, it is assumed that double infection can also be dangerous.

How can double infection occur and has this happened with other viruses?

Co-infections with various viruses, fungi and bacteria are in principle possible, and occur rarely, to often, depending on the region and the current course of the infection. If the body is infected with two pathogens at the same time, it can be very stressful and pose a great challenge to the immune system. Depending on the route of transmission and the pathogen, coinfection can develop accidentally or be stimulated by the existing infection.

Co-infection is known to occur with other viruses as well. For example, in people who are affected by HIV infection. Simultaneous infection with hepatitis viruses can also occur due to similar routes of its transmission. Then we can talk about hepatitis C coinfection, for example. Liver disease caused by the virus can then intensify and accelerate.

Co-infections occur in both malaria and tuberculosis. Co-infections of tuberculosis and HIV have also been confirmed. Since the disease often affects people in countries with poor hygiene conditions, the chances of recovery here are low.

How can we protect ourselves?

According to the Robert Koch Institute, vaccination is essential to prevent severe complications during the flu epidemic at the beginning of the year and to protect at-risk groups. Immune protection of the population can also help relieve the already strained he alth care system due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Standing Committee on Vaccinations STIKO advises risk groups and in particular, pregnant women to get vaccinated against influenza. Experience shows that the wave of flu infections starts in Germany at the end of the year and reaches its peak in January or February.

Everyone who observes the necessary hygiene measures, wears a face mask and limits their contacts, reduces the risk of contracting one of the two respiratory pathogens.

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