MONTGOMERY, Ala. — 'Flurona' is a buzzword used a lot lately to describe an infection of both the flu and COVID.
It is not a new strain of the coronavirus, but a dual infection. COVID and the flu are two very contagious viruses, and with the Omicron variant surge in the backdrop, health experts say the flu has risen this year compared to 2021.
However, what’s the impact of 'flurona' in Alabama? Our Keneisha Deas tells us with this Verify segment.
THE QUESTION:
Are there any ‘flurona’ cases in Alabama?
THE SOURCES:
The Alabama Department of Public Health: State Health Officer, Dr. Karen Landers
THE ANSWER:
Yes, cases of people with both flu and COVID simultaneously are in Alabama according to Compass Laboratory in Memphis, Tennessee.
However, remember this is not a new strain of COVID, but rather a dual infection.
WHAT WE FOUND:
"A laboratory did report yesterday [Monday] a couple of cases are out of state laboratory reporting back to a couple of providers. But certainly, we know we've had persons co-infected with both viruses continuously. So while this term has been used, keep in mind that individual cases in influenza are not reportable to the Alabama Department of Public Health. COVID-19, of course, is reportable. We really do not have any mechanism to determine if a person is co-infected with both viruses," said Landers.
Dr. Landers offers this advice on what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and those all around you:
"Well talk about influenza again, this is something that's been around for a while, and first of all, this is something that has been around for a long time and first of all I remind people it is not too late to vaccinated against Influenza," said Landers.
"What I remind people is that COVID will still be around. Don't wait to start your vaccine journey," added Landers.