Brazilian teenager tests positive for ‘Flurona,’ a mix of flu and Covid-19

A 16-year-old boy in Rio de Janeiro has tested positive for Covid-19 and Influenza A at the same time, in a viral combo dubbed ‘Flurona.’ The case was confirmed by the minor’s mother to Brazilian TV station Globo. The woman said, however, that the teenager has been twice vaccinated against the coronavirus and has already received a shot against the flu — therefore is experiencing “virtually no symptoms.” Israel recorded its first case of Flurona on Sunday afternoon. 

An epidemic within a pandemic

Covid-19 infections in Brazil are rising once again after an extended period of decreases, though advanced vaccination rates have resulted in a relatively low number of hospitalizations and reduced prevalence of moderate and severe symptoms. But Brazilians are facing an added problem: an Influenza A epidemic. In several cities, the demand for annual flu vaccine shots has increased, forcing local governments to increase distribution.

As was the case with Covid-19, the demand for flu tests in pharmacies increased by 44 percent over the last two weeks, according to the Brazilian Association of Pharmacy and Drugstore Chains (Abrafarma). 

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