What you need to know about Florona, the double infection of flu and COVID-19

Simply put, Florona is a double infection of COVID-19 and influenza. (Flu+Corona). It was first recorded in Israel in a pregnant woman who had been checked into a hospital for delivery.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the woman was not vaccinated for both viruses.

Here is what is known about the Florona so far:

It is not a new COVID-19 variant:

Florona, unlike Delta and Omicron, is not a variant of the coronavirus. It is instead a case of double respiratory infection caused by COVID-19 and influenza pathogens.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is possible to catch both influenza and COVID-19 viruses at the same time.

As such, Florona is a condition where the viruses are present at the same time in one's body.

Signs and symptoms:

Florona’s signs and symptoms are similar to how the coronavirus and the flu manifest themselves; sore throat, cough and cold, runny nose, fever, headaches and fatigue. 

WHO states that the severity of the condition varies from person to person. 

However, COVID-19 and influenza can be fatal if not treated on time, and the best way to avoid severe disease is vaccination against both viruses.

“The most effective way to prevent hospitalisation and severe COVID-19 and influenza is vaccination with both vaccines,” a statement on WHO’s website says.

Spread:

Both COVID-19 and influenza are spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person when they talk, sneeze or cough. This can be through inhaling or if a person touches an infected surface and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes.

Cases:

Although there is no solid number of Florona cases recorded so far, Israeli doctors have reported a spike in influenza cases in the last few weeks, saying they are studying the condition keenly.