ArkLaTex health expert speaks on ‘flurona’

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - “Flurona:” it’s the unofficial term used when someone is diagnosed with COVID-19 and the flu virus at the same time.

First Israel, and now there are reports in California. Texarkana doctor Matt Young said there is nothing to panic about because this is not a new variant or a new condition.

Right now, the omicron variant is plaguing the ArkLaTex all by itself. In Louisiana today, there are over 14,000 new cases, in Texas more than 35,000 cases and in Arkansas more than 44,000 active cases.

Governor John Bel Edwards said the increase in cases is because this variant is more transmissible.

“That is a record for the 24-hour report, there are 1,412 people hospitalized across the state. This is a net increase of 125 since yesterday,” he said.

Young said flu cases are on the rise too and it’s important to know the symptoms.

“The symptoms are usually going to be fever, congestion, throat, body aches, nasal congestion, cough,” he said.

Experts say the best way to fight “flurona” is to get both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

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