Flurona: Dangers of Co-infection with the Flu and COVID-19 and How to Prevent Them

Dangers of Co-infection with the Flu and COVID-19 and How to Prevent Them

Keep in mind that sometimes two infectious diseases can indeed occur at the same time. This condition is also known as co-infection. In the case of flu, co-infection is caused by the influenza virus (flu) and the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which both attack the respiratory system and are transmitted through droplets of saliva ( droplets).

Flurona Symptoms and Dangers

Because the flu, COVID-19, and fluorine are diseases that both infect the respiratory tract, the symptoms are often difficult to distinguish. When a respiratory tract infection occurs, the following symptoms will generally appear:

• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle ache
• Feeling unwell

Loss of the ability to smell ( anosmia ) and loss of the ability to taste ( ageusia ) are two symptoms that are quite often found in people infected with the Coronavirus. So, if the flu occurs at the same time as Corona or fluorine infection, anosmia and ageusia may appear.

In addition, there are also several other symptoms that may appear, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

This condition of co-infection with the flu and COVID-19 or fluorine can be experienced by anyone. However, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and people with comorbid diseases are more at risk of experiencing more severe symptoms or complications, such as pneumonia, which can increase the risk of death (mortality).

How to Prevent Flurona

Coronavirus infection and flu are transmitted through droplets. Therefore, to prevent this, it is recommended to wear a mask, keep a distance from other people, avoid crowds, apply coughing or sneezing etiquette, wash hands regularly, and vaccinate for both diseases.

Carrying out COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination on schedule is an effort to prevent flu. This is because the type of virus that causes COVID-19 and the flu is different. So, to get protection against this co-infection, it is necessary to carry out both types of vaccination.

Currently, in Indonesia, the COVID-19 vaccine has been distributed by the government for free to the wider community. As for the influenza vaccine, it can be obtained at hospitals or immunization clinics for a fee.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the public vaccinate against influenza once a year, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This recommendation applies to everyone, from infants aged over six months, adults, pregnant women, the elderly, to people with comorbid diseases. IDAI and PAPDI also recommend a flu vaccine once a year.

There are two types of flu vaccines, namely quadrivalent and tri-rival vaccines. The quadrivalent vaccine can provide protection against two variants of influenza A virus and two types of influenza B virus. This vaccine will provide more complete and broad protection. At the same time, the trivalent vaccine will only protect the body from three variants of the influenza virus, namely influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B.

The CDC says the COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines. In Indonesia, the PAPDI Adult Immunization Task Force recommends administering the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines within one month, but in urgent cases, it can be given simultaneously.

For this reason, it is recommended that you get an influenza vaccination because influenza vaccination can not only protect you from the dangers of the flu but also protect your loved ones and relatives who are susceptible to flu.

If you are in doubt or have a special medical condition, discuss it with your doctor, so you can get a schedule and type of vaccination that suits your condition.

Always take care of your health. If you experience symptoms, go to the doctor immediately. Hopefully, you are always healthy and can do your daily activities. And don’t forget to take care of your diet