Should We be Worried about Flurona?
With the media reporting more cases of “flurona,” many people are concerned that another virus is on the loose. Rest assured, it is not. As The Washington Post explains, “flurona” refers to when one person has both respiratory infections — COVID-19 and influenza (flu) — at the same time. It’s becoming increasingly more common as cases of the highly contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus continue to surge across the country and around the world amidst the height of flu season.
While the word “flurona” is relatively new and rising in popularity, cases of flu and coronavirus co-infections are not. There have been instances of co-infection dating back to the start of the pandemic two years ago.
There could be more cases of “flurona” than we know of because both respiratory infections share common symptoms such as fever, coughing, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea, along with muscle and body aches. Additionally, both viruses are transmitted through droplets and aerosols that can be passed on by coughing, sneezing, speaking, or breathing. This is why health officials strongly urge everyone to wear a face mask when in public.
As more reports surface about co-infections, health experts and doctors stress that coronavirus and flu vaccines remain the best way to protect yourself from severe infections. If you are vaccinated, your illness should be mild.
The Seniors Trust is committed to improving the lives of seniors by working to improve Social Security. It wants to see Congress pass the Social Security Expansion Act. This landmark piece of legislation will provide bigger monthly Social Security benefits, establish a more realistic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for seniors, and guarantee the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.
