Hours ago, we received news of how a new Florona case in Israel and people are starting to panic. Malaysia just got the news that we could possibly get a huge wave of Omicron and now this new thing called Florona has popped up? I mean, I would for sure, 100% panic, too!
The reports say that the first case was of a pregnant woman who was admitted to a hospital for delivery. According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the young woman was not vaccinated for both viruses.
Before you start panicking, here's everything you need to know about Florona.
What is it?
Florona is actually the combination of flu and Corona, when someone gets infected the influenza virus and SARS-Cov-2.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is possible to catch both diseases at the same time. Both the flu and the Covid-19 virus spread the same way, between people who are in close contact through respiratory droplets or aerosols released when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If you touch a surface that has one of the viruses on it, and then touch your mouth, nose of eyes, it can also spread to you.
The main concern with being infected by both viruses at the same time is that it could cause a major breakdown of one's immune system and lead to serious complication and other diseases.
Symptoms
Here are some of the common symptoms of Florona:
- cough and cold
- fever
- runny nose
Bear in mind that since this is a combination of 2 viruses, you might even exhibit typical COVID-19 symptoms like tiredness and loss of taste or smell. Also, the flu symptoms can appear anywhere between three to four days whereas the COVID-19 symptoms takes two to 14 days to appear.
Prevention
According to WHO, the most effective way to protect yourself from Florona is to get vaccinated with both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
It is also important to follow all the SOPs suggested by the government like maintaining at least a one-meter distance from others, wearing a well-fitted mask, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated places, opening windows and doors to keep rooms well ventilated and washing or sanitizing your hands frequently.
