COVID Flurona - COVID-19 and influenza at the same time

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In Brisbane, nearly half of the 35 confirmed cases of "flurona"—a co-infection of COVID-19 and influenza—since January 1 have required hospitalization, particularly affecting children and the elderly. Medical professionals are urging the rollout of flu vaccines in schools to combat this dual infection, emphasizing the need for vaccination, especially among children, as only 3% of those under five are currently vaccinated. Concerns about vaccine fatigue are prevalent, yet experts stress the importance of flu shots this year. Discussions also highlight the challenges faced by individuals seeking mental health care amid the pandemic, with some psychiatrists unwilling to accommodate telehealth options. As winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, the risk of co-infections is expected to rise, raising alarms about potential health complications.
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From our local paper here in Brisbane yesterday (behind a paywall, so precis follows)

'Almost half the 35 Queenslanders who have contracted flurona since January 1 have been admitted to hospital. There have been 35 confirmed cases of people infected with both the Covid-19 and influenza viruses simultaneously, with 14 people admitted to hospital since January 1, and those aged between 0 and 19 and over 65 the most susceptible. Data shows that children are being hit with flurona and ending up in the hospital. Doctors call for flu vaccines to be rolled out in the state’s schools to help stunt the spread of the dangerous dual infection. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners chair said: “We can’t be complacent and think that the dual infection won’t come with serious health problems because Coronavirus has not been hard on kids. “We already know that flu just by itself can kill kids. “Flurona is the unknown, but we know that the flu vaccine is not free for children over five, and that can be a deterrent to getting a protection jab. “We understand that there is vaccine fatigue across Queensland, but if there was ever a year that people needed the flu vaccine, this is it, and the schools could do their bit.” The GP said teenagers typically were the least keen to get a flu jab and were the biggest spreaders of the virus. Currently, only 3 per cent of children under five have been vaccinated.'

This looks serious. I am taking extra precautions. Got my flu jab and 4th Covid shot simultaneously a week ago. I canceled my psychiatrist's appointment (his offices are in the middle of a hospital), and he was unhappy and returned my case to my GP. I will be seeing him soon to get referred to another psychiatrist. The ones at the local specialist centre have this posted:

'Some specialists are still offering face-to-face consultations. If you have an appointment, we will let you know if this has been switched to a telehealth/phone consultation. Our Centre has been closely following public health advice. All patients are screened before their appointment to ensure they have not had any exposure to COVID 19 or any symptoms that could suggest COVID 19 infection. Patients are asked to wait in the car until the doctor is ready to take them in for their appointment. Hand sanitiser is available in the clinic.'

It looks like Flurona needs to be taken seriously, very seriously.

Thanks
Bill
 
Biology news on Phys.org
I got my flu shot last month. There is a campaign in NZ to get as many vaccinated as possible (the Government has extended the criteria for who gets it free). I don't get meet that criteria, but paid $19 for the shot at Chemist Warehouse, rather than $40 at my medical centre.

Sucks the psychiatrist wasn't willing to reschedule, or do a phone consult. He shouldn't discharge patients just like that - pure malpractice.
 
StevieTNZ said:
Sucks the psychiatrist wasn't willing to reschedule, or do a phone consult. He shouldn't discharge patients just like that - pure malpractice.

Yes, it is possibly unprofessional, although I wouldn't use malpractice. But it is his practice, and he treats the patients he thinks will benefit most. If he thinks I am not going to keep appointments, then from his viewpoint, he has more urgent priorities. I am very stable and have been for a long time, so I am not a critical case. I will get a referral to another specialist without any issues. Besides, he is far away - the local specialist centre is much closer.

Thanks
Bill
 
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Now the concern has shifted to the N. Hemisphere as cold winter months approach, and folks tend to congregate more indoors.

TIME asks, "What Happens If I Get COVID-19 and the Flu at the Same Time?"
https://time.com/6221042/covid-19-flu-same-time/ - subscription may be required

https://www.sharp.com/health-news/oh-my-flurona.cfm

https://www.avera.org/balance/wellness-and-preventive-care/get-covid-flu-same-time/

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/flurona

Putting aside the name, viral co-infections are possible as are co-infections of virues (influenza, or others), bacteria (pneumococcal, or others), and mycoplasmsas (e.g., Mycoplasma pneumoniae). A co-infection may increase the risk of lung or cardio-pulmonary damage.
 
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