FLURONA, a newly coined term to describe an infection of both Covid-19 and influenza, has caused public concern over its potential symptoms and impact.

This comes after an unvaccinated pregnant woman in her 30s tested positive for both diseases in Israel last Thursday – the first recorded case in the world – according to Xinhua.

Both Covid-19 and influenza are respiratory diseases that can cause similar symptoms including cough, fever, headache, runny nose and sore throat, said the World Health Organisation.

It said both can spread via aerosols and droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

The woman, who showed mild symptoms, was treated for both diseases and discharged on the same day, according to Beilinson Hospital in Israel.

Flurona’s exact symptoms and mortality rate remain unclear.

Scientists are still studying how the new double-contagion may spread and its severity, while medical workers are worried that its emergence will impose more pressure on heavily burdened public healthcare systems worldwide.

Flurona has also sparked increasing calls for more people to get vaccinated and comply with protective measures against Covid-19 and influenza, including social distancing, regular hand washing and travel restrictions. – Bernama, January 5, 2022.