Amid fears that Omicron might take over the Delta variety of COVID-19, Israel declared the first case of Florona sickness on December 31, 2021. Florona disease is a double-infection of COVID-19 and influenza. Both COVID-19 and influenza (flu) are infectious respiratory disorders that have several symptoms in common.
According to media sources, the disease was first diagnosed in a lady who gave birth this week in Israel and was not vaccinated against COVID-19.
What exactly is Florona?
Florona is caused by a mix of flu and Coronavirus, as well as a COVID-19 infection. It is a disease that has been around for a long time and is caused by a variety of viruses. According to the World Health Organization, there are some distinctions in determining who is most vulnerable to serious disease (WHO).
Is this another COVID-19 variant?
Florona is not a new Covid-19 version, contrary to what several bogus news posts on social media suggest. The latest Covid-19 variety discovered was Omicron, and the World Health Organization has found no more variants since then.
It is not a COVID-19 variation or mutant in any way. Florona illness occurs when both flu and Coronavirus viruses are present in the body at the same time.
The WHO does, however, affirm that co-infection with both Covid-19 (any version) and the flu virus is conceivable, and that the best approach to avoid this is to acquire both Covid-19 and Influenza vaccines.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of Florona?
Both the flu and COVID-19 are diseases that affect the respiratory system and share many of the same symptoms. According to the WHO, flu and COVID-19 symptoms differ from person to person, but the following are some of the most prevalent symptoms reported by people all over the world:
- Loss of taste and smell
- Cough and cold
- Breathing problems
- Appetite loss
- Chest discomfort that persists
Distinctions between Influenza and COVID-19
While influenza and Covid-19 both affect the respiratory system, there are some distinctions in how flu and Covid-19 affect health and present.
High temperature, chest tightness or constriction, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite are all symptoms of “Florona.” It might also cause feelings of bewilderment and anxiousness.
Mild symptoms of a double Covid-19 and flu infection, according to the WHO, can be treated at home without the need for hospitalization.
Florona symptoms might include pneumonia, myocarditis, and inflammation of the heart muscles in extreme cases.
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How does Florona spread?
COVID-19 and flu are transferred when virus-infected aerosol particles are emitted by an infected person when coughing, speaking, or sneezing, and infected air is breathed by a healthy person.
According to the Times of India story, it takes 2 to 10 days for symptoms to develop after being infected with the virus, and the risk of spreading the infection to others is higher in the early days.
How can we treat Florona disease?
According to a Moneycontrol study, oxygen, corticosteroids, and IL6 receptor blockers are among the COVID-19 therapeutic choices used in medical institutions for seriously unwell patients.
Advanced respiratory assistance, such as the use of ventilators, is part of the treatment for persons with severe respiratory illnesses. Several more COVID-19 therapy approaches are now being tested in clinical trials.
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Is Florona anything to be concerned about?
Both Covid-19 and flu are respiratory viruses that can cause serious sickness and possibly death. While these viruses have similar symptoms and modes of transmission, they have different treatments and vaccinations. When the body is infected with both viruses, it can produce difficulties and put a strain on the immune system.
While “Florona” is not a new variation, its presence could indicate a weaker immune system under attack from two virus infections, according to Dr Nahla Abdel Wahab of Cairo University Hospital, who was mentioned by Israeli media after the sickness emerged.
Season influenza outbreaks are not prevalent in numerous nations throughout the continuing winter months, also known as “flu season.” Fears of a spike in “Florona” cases may not be unjustified, with Covid-19 instances also spiking over the world following the advent of Omicron.
Should we be concerned about the new illness?
We all know that the COVID-19 has a long-term negative impact on our systems; but, if our bodies contract both the Coronavirus and the flu at the same time, fighting both diseases will be extremely difficult.
Co-infection is Nothing New in the Philippines
Dr. Edsel Salvana, an infectious disease expert, stated on January 3, 2022 that Florona, or the combination of influenza virus and coronavirus illness (COVID-19), is a common occurrence that has previously occurred in the Philippines.
According to Salvana, the first COVID-19 death in the Philippines occurred in January and involved a Chinese national who had both Influenza B and COVID-19, as well as Streptococcus pneumonia.
According to him, another issue to examine is whether the patient has any comorbidities, such as diabetes or hypertension.
Dr. Salvana said that the flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine, and, most significantly, the COVID-19 vaccine are all necessary to avoid infection with two or more viruses or bacteria that have a high risk of killing a person.
How can we defend ourselves against this new illness?
According to the World Health Organization, we should continue to practice preventative measures such as keeping a one-metre distance from others, wearing a well-fitted mask when this is not possible, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated places and settings, opening windows and doors to keep rooms well ventilated, and washing our hands frequently.
The only way to avoid Florona is to get vaccinated against both Covid-19 and influenza. Since 1949, flu vaccinations have been utilized, particularly among susceptible groups such as the elderly. In the meanwhile, numerous countries have begun to implement adult immunization programs.
Even the World Health Organization has stated that influenza and COVID-19 can be contracted at the same time. However, Florona disease was pointed out that the best method to avoid hospitalization and severe infection is to get vaccinated against the two diseases.
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