Flu and Covid in Romania

Co-infection with the common flu and Covid-19 viruses puts people at risk and challenges the healthcare system. The flu season has started earlier this year and is much more powerful than in previous years. Experts expect the peak of infections to be reached after mid-January, and to go down in the month of February. Almost three quarters of infections are diagnosed in children, who often develop more severe symptoms. Co-infection with flu and Covid-19, reported in a number of patients, only complicates things.  The medical director of the Matei Bals Institute of Infectious Diseases, Adrian Marinescu, explained on Radio Romania which are the main symptoms of the co-infection that goes by the name Flurona: ”The best way to diagnose Flurona, just like in the case of flu and Covid, is to get tested for both viruses. In terms of symptoms, if we talk about the flu, people experience muscle ache, joint ache and headache. Flurona causes a mixture of flu and Covid symptoms, which are much more intense.”

The main protection measure against both viruses is vaccination, experts say. The head of the Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Iasi, Florin Rosu, explains: ”We urge people to get vaccinated against both seasonal flu and coronavirus. People should contact the family doctor in the first 24 hours since the first symptoms, and should go to the infectious diseases hospital no later than 48 to 72 hours since the first symptoms, for triage. Self-medication is not recommended and the hygiene measures should be strictly observed. Avoiding crowded places, wearing protection masks and ventilating the rooms at home and at work are a must.”

Already spreading in the US, the new Covid-19 strain, called Kraken, has also been reported in Romania, where the number of coronavirus infections is on the increase. Health Minister Alexandru Rafila said that the new Covid-19 strains are more contagious, but not more dangerous.  (EE)