Flurona: Double infection with corona and flu is that dangerous
Created: 01/10/2022, 7:10 PM
By: Nail Akkoyun
A double infection with corona and influenza, called "Flurona", could be even more dangerous than "just" a Covid 19 disease.
© Antonio Guillen Fernández / Imago
A woman was infected with both corona and the flu.
Experts anticipate an accumulation of such Flurona cases.
Kassel - The first known "Flurona" case has been reported in Israel.
The case word describes a double infection: "Flu", the English word for flu, and "rona" for Corona *.
As reported by several Israeli media, the double infection was recognized in the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva.
Currently, a mild course * can be assumed, so far the woman who has not been vaccinated against Covid-19 has only shown mild symptoms.
However, experts assume that such cases could increase.
Corona and flu: Risk groups should also get vaccinated against influenza
The many Corona measures ensure that most people now hardly come into contact with flu viruses.
As a result, the flu season practically missed last year.
Because of this, people also lack immune protection - unless they are vaccinated against influenza.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), risk groups, i.e. senior citizens, people with chronic illnesses as well as pregnant women and people in nursing homes, are particularly at risk.
A double infection could even be life-threatening for these people.
The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) therefore advises people over the age of 60 * in particular to get vaccinated against both the flu and the coronavirus.
A time interval between vaccinations is not necessary because the influenza vaccine is a so-called dead vaccine.
Flurona: double infection with corona and flu "somewhat more dangerous"
It is assumed, however, that there have already been other "Flurona" cases worldwide, although the patients have not been tested for both viruses.
"The double infection with Sars-Cov-2 and influenza viruses is by no means new and there have been reports of double infections since the beginning of the pandemic, first from China and then from many other affected countries," said infectiologist Andreas Cerny of the 20min portal.
A double infection is even “a little more dangerous” than “just” a corona disease.
Basically, however, the Covid infection has more dangerous consequences for the body.
While the flu causes fluid to accumulate in cells in the lungs, the coronavirus can damage the organ's blood vessels.
Similar symptoms: the differences between corona and the flu
“The influenza virus, so to speak, clears the way for bacterial superinfection, for example with staphylococci.
During the Spanish flu, for example, many people did not die of the virus, but of a bacterial infection that was promoted by the viral disease, ”said medical doctor Andreas Widmer to 20min.
The Israeli Ministry of Health is currently examining whether a combination of corona and flu infection can cause serious illness or even long-term consequences.
(Nail Akkoyun)
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