flurona

With winter approaching we have been told to expect a surge in the number of cases of COVID because of the spread of the Omicron BA.2 variety, which is even more contagious that Omicron BA.1. On top of this we can expect the usual cases of flu, which means that the likelihood increases that someone will end up with both infections at the same time.  This is called co-infection and is not unusual.  Most severe flu cases have a bacterial infection at the same time.  This particular co-infection of COVID-19 and flu has been given the name flurona.  While there is an increased chance of this happening, it is not common. 

The combination of infections is also referred to as a twindemic.  This was discussed as a possibility in 2020 but the conjunction of the two infections didn’t happen. Mask wearing not only reduced the chances of catching COVID but also of catching the flu.  Winters passed without noticeable increases in the spread of the flu.  But this winter will be different.  COVID restrictions have been removed and mask wearing is out. So we can expect the twindemic to occur.