If you’re like us, you may have lost count of the many COVID-19 variants. First the original variant, then the Delta variant, then Omicron, and now Flurona. What is Flurona? Should we be concerned and isolate ourselves in our homes once again? MyCHN has you covered! We are going to explain what Flurona is and how you can prevent it.
What is Flurona
Flurona is when an individual is infected with the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Israel confirmed that a pregnant woman became infected with the flu and COVID. Some reports say that this is the first time that someone has had both illnesses at once; however, that’s not true.
In early 2020 there were reports of infected patients with both viruses.
So why are we just now hearing about Flurona? In 2020 and much of 2021, COVID preventative measures almost eliminated the flu season. We spent much of 2020 on lockdown, social distancing, and wearing a mask. Children were at home rather than at school, so the spread of the seasonal flu was minimal on a large scale.
However, now that many of the COVID era restrictions have
been lifted, the seasonal flu is making a comeback.
Should You be Worried?
The return of the flu season is to be expected, given that we are out and about again. In addition, many students are returning to school (we know how kids can spread germs). But should we be worried about the possibility of catching the flu and COVID simultaneously? Unfortunately, there isn’t much data on how many people with Flurona are in the hospital.
However, many people who have the newly dubbed “Flurona” infection experience mild symptoms. For example, the pregnant woman who was the first to be infected with flurona had mild symptoms and was released from the hospital this week in good health.
It has also been reported that the people who were infected with Flurona early in 2020 also suffered mild symptoms.
Health officials are still studying flurona. It is important to note that Thousands of Americans died each other from the flu before the COVID era. So, as we stated earlier, the return of the flu season is to be expected. Furthermore, we are still in a pandemic; we have the tools and knowledge to treat covid.
The point is, it’s not farfetched that you could become infected with both viruses simultaneously. Should you be worried? Not necessarily. Should you be cautious and informed? Absolutely!
What can you do to stay safe?
As we mentioned before, we thankfully have more tools to help treat COVID. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the Flurona:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching public surfaces
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Wear a mask in crowded areas
- Get a vaccine
- Eat healthily and take vitamins to keep your immune system strong
- If you feel sick, avoid contact with others
Bottom Line
Flurona is not another strain of COVID, nor is it the start of the apocalypse. Many people who have been infected with Flurona experience mild symptoms. However, we should be mindful and take preventative measures such as those listed above.
References:
‘Flurona’ Is a Great Example of How Misinformation Blooms – Scientific American
