Omicron surge raises questions about Flurona

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – In this Fact Finders, we address a question that has come up over the past two weeks; “Is Flurona a new virus?

We spoke to MU Health Care Family Physician and COVID Vaccine Co-Chair Dr. Laura Morris for this one. She told us she had a family struggling with a flu infection and a COVID-19 infection at the same time. Mild to moderate symptoms are fever, cough and body aches. These are common to both the flu and COVID-19. She emphasized that Flurona is not a new variant of the coronavirus.

“It’s really just one virus and another and they kind of go together, how they spread, but they’re not one in the same and they haven’t merged or mutated. They don’t feed off each other or anything like that,” Dr Morris added.

Dr. Morris also says you should get tested immediately at the first sign of flu or COVID-19 symptoms. The FDA has approved antiviral drugs for the treatment of both viruses. In some cases, getting these antivirals as soon as possible could save your life.

So for the question, “Is Flurona a new virus?” ” The answer is no. It’s when you have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

the CDC has a webpage here dedicated to answering many questions about the flu and COVID-19.

One of the questions: I think I may have the flu. Can I see my healthcare professional safely when COVID-19 is spreading in my community?

The answer: Healthcare professionals may have different practices for diagnosing and treating influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as wearing masks in a healthcare setting or offering telemedecine. If you have flu symptoms and are higher risk of serious flu complications, you should call your healthcare professional as soon as possible to tell them about your symptoms. They may decide to treat you with antiviral drugs for the flu. Follow the recommendations of your healthcare professional and the CDC for doctor visits.

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