“Flurona” – The new COVID-19 syndrome carries the symptoms of coronavirus and flu

Not long after the recently detected Omicron variant, a new syndrome of the coronavirus has started to spread. The disease complex called Flurona carries the symptoms of covid and flu. So far, two such cases have been diagnosed in Hungary.

Sadly, the beginning of 2022 has brought even more negative news concerning the spread of the coronavirus. As the Hungarian news portal Pénzcentrum reports, 78% of positive samples are now the latest Omicron variant which started to spread from South Africa.

According to Gábor Zacher Hungarian virologist, the number of infections can significantly increase in the upcoming weeks, as a result of New Year’s Eve gatherings. The expert also points out that as long as there are places in Asia and Africa with low vaccination rates, there is a higher possibility that new variants will emerge. Just like in the case of the new Omicron mutant that could develop in an HIV-infected person with weakened immunity. Even if there are nearly fully vaccinated communities, as long as there are low-vaccination countries, new mutants may emerge – reported by Portfolio.

Furthermore, recently a new disease complex has also started to spread.

The syndrome known as Flurona carries the symptoms of COVID-19 and flu.

The disease complex was first identified in Israel. However, in the last two weeks, two Flurona cases have also been diagnosed in Hungary. Both patients are young, under 30 years old.

Neumann Labs was the first in Hungary to introduce simultaneous PCR testing for flu and COVID-19. It is not a  coincidence that the laboratory decided to do so. Previously, scientists forecasted that the two viruses can be caught at the same time, and in this case, the disease can be more severe and life-threatening. Fortunately, such cases are not yet widespread. Still, health services need to be prepared for the possibility of double COVID-19 and influenza infections.

In addition to the predicted fifth wave of the coronavirus, the flu epidemic could soon be at its peak.

Detecting the new dual syndrome is even harder than before. The symptoms of different respiratory infections – such as fever, cough, fatigue, joint pain – are very similar, so people who get sick may not know for certain which virus they contracted. Many people with the flu diagnose themselves as having the coronavirus and vice versa. Therefore, the tests of the diagnostic laboratory will not only show whether a person has been infected by the Delta or the new Omicron variant, but also whether they have the flu.

Read alsoHungary reports 2,429 new coronavirus infections – latest numbers

Source: penzcentrum.hu; portfolio.hu