As is happening in other countries, Spain is experiencing an increase in Covid-19 cases, mainly driven by the omicron variant. Added to this is the incidence of influenza, a seasonal epidemic, which has generated cases of infections produced by both viruses simultaneously, which is known as “flurona”.
The specialists at , an online platform for personalized blood tests, clarify the most common doubts about the “flurona”.
1. what is the “flurona”?
This term has been created by scientists to refer to the disease caused by the simultaneous infection of the flu virus (influenza) and coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). This sickness affects the upper respiratory tract and it only occurs when both viruses are present in the human body at the same time.
Flurona is a disease caused by the simultaneous infection of the flu virus (influenza) and the coronavirus (SARS-CoV2).
2. What was the first case of “flurona” in the world?
The double infection by these viruses already was detected in several countries at the beginning of the pandemic, including Spain. For example, the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid already reported a case of coinfection with these viruses in April 2021.
However, due to the important measures taken to prevent the transmission of Covid-19, such as wearing a mask or social distancing, the flu virus hardly circulated among the population last year. Now, with the relaxation of these measures, it is normal for these cases to appear.
3. The “flurona” is it a variant of SARS-Cov2?
No, unlike variants such as Alpha, Delta or Ómicron, flurona is not a variant of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. It is not a new disease either, it is simply a combination of these two infections.
4. What are the symptoms of “flurona”?
Both the flu like Covod-19 have similar symptoms such as: sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, headache and fatigue. However, the severity of the disease can vary from person to person. Other common symptoms associated with Covid-19 are loss of taste and smell, also shortness of breath, loss of appetite and chest pain.
5. Can an infected person transmit the disease?
Yes, both diseases are transmitted via aerosol particles that are released by infected people when they cough, talk, laugh or sneeze. If a healthy person inhales these aerosols, they could become infected.
6. Who is at risk of contracting this disease?
They are at higher risk of developing this disease. the elderly, people with comorbidities or immunosuppressed, healthcare personnel and pregnant women.
7. How to protect yourself from “flurona”?
The best way to protect yourself is to follow the measures provided by the authorities to avoid contagion by coronavirus: mask, ventilation, social distance and vaccination.
Following the recommendations of the health authorities is essential to protect yourself, monitor and take care of your health. For example, several studies show that having correct levels of vitamin D It is essential for the immune system to function properly and they relate its deficit to a greater severity of respiratory infections such as Covid-19 or the flu.
For this reason, knowing the levels of this vitamin can be of great interest, since it is thus possible to take the necessary measures in case the levels are lowsuch as increasing your exposure to sunlight, eating foods rich in vitamin D, or taking vitamin supplements.