A DOUBLE infection of Covid and the flu found in Israel has led to the term "flurona".
Naturally, it has sparked worry during the winter months it could become a problem elsewhere as influenza cases rise.
But the scientists who reported the rare case in a young woman, have said her illness is mild.
It highlights the importance of being vaccinated against both Covid and flu.
What is 'flurona' and what are the symptoms?
It is when someone has tested positive for both coronavirus and influenza.
Flu levels have remained low globally since the pandemic, due to a lack of social mixing.
But this winter, with many more countries opening up over the colder months, there is more chance infections will be higher.
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That coupled with the fast spread of Omicron around the world, although milder and can be beaten by boosters, means it is likely more cases of the double infection will emerge.
A young Israeli – pregnant and unvaccinated – presented mild symptoms when she was tested at Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikva.
Experts in Israel are claiming others have also contracted both viruses but have not been diagnosed.
Omicron, the dominant Covid variant now, largely presents as cold or flu-like symptoms.
It's best to get tested if you have any of these symptoms and rest up if you feel unwell but don't have Covid – as you also don't want to spread flu.
You are unlikely to know if you have had both infections, as unless you become really ill you won't be tested for influenza.
Covid symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Flu symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
Why has 'flurona' emerged?
Professor Arnon Vizhnitser director of the hospitals' Gynecology Department said: "Last year, we did not witness flu cases among pregnant or birthing women.
"Today, we are seeing cases of both coronavirus and the flu that are starting to rear their head.
"We are seeing more and more pregnant women with the flu.
"It is definitely a great challenge dealing with a woman who comes in with a fever at childbirth.
"This is especially when you do not know if it's coronavirus or the flu, so you refer to them the same. Most of the illness is respiratory."
Is it dangerous?
Prof Vizhnitser said the patient had not experienced any severe or unusual symtpoms.
"She was diagnosed with the flu and coronavirus as soon as she arrived," he added.
"Both tests came back positive, even after we checked again.
"The disease is the same disease; they're viral and cause difficulty breathing since both attack the upper respiratory tract."
The Israeli health ministry said it was studying the case to determine whether the combination of the two infections can cause a more serious illness.
But so far the woman has responded well and only suffered mild symptoms – she was due to be discharged within a week.
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