Covid Qld: Risk of ‘flurona’ double infection rises heading into winter

Queenslanders are at risk of a “twindemic” heading into winter, with the spectre of double infection by Covid-19 and the flu. Alarming research warns the risk of severe illness and death can skyrocket. READ THE Q&A

Health experts are warning of the serious dangers of a 2022 “twindemic” as the risk of flurona – the simultaneous infection of Covid-19 and influenza – rises in the coming months.

Lancet research shows that a double whammy infection can place patients who are hospitalised with a higher risk of death and ventilation - and if hospitalised, the chances of death doubles.

Early animal studies highlight a dose of both pathogens has the potential to damage lung tissue and lead to fluid on the lungs.

And while the chances of a double infection are low, researchers warn a flu jab is vital.

University of Queensland National Health and Medical Research Council scientist Kirsty Short said: “If you never got a flu vaccination before in your life, now is the time.

“It is wise to be wary of the coming season. Co-infection in mice and hamsters in small animals models show that the animals suffer significantly more with both pathogens.

“The antibody response to the flu vaccine can give good response to co-infection.”

UQ virologist Dr Kirsty Short

Data shows that so far this year 199,000 Australians have had a flu shot, but WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Doherty Institute deputy director Professor Ian Barr said the numbers needed to increase significantly.

Due to low influenza numbers in recent years due to the closure of international borders and Covid public health procedures, immunity is low and with the risk of double infection in 2022 the vaccination is more important than ever, the expert warns.

Influenza data for 2022 shows that the first three months of the year there were 409 lab confirmed cases which is creeping close to the 598 total cases that were recorded in the whole of 2021

“As Arnie said ‘He’s going to be back and so is influenza’,” Prof Barr said.

Dr Short said the flu jab can be given at the same time as the Covid-19 booster shots.

“The reason they were separated before was due to surveillance,” she said.

Flu vaccines are free for children aged six months to under five years of age, people aged 65 or older, pregnant women and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people six months and older. People not eligible for free vaccines can still get them via their GP or some pharmacies.

FLURONA Q&A

What are my chances of getting both Covid-19 and influenza at same time?

Data collected from the Northern Hemisphere’s winter season shows that chances are low

How would getting flurona impact my health?

Studies are in the early stages but a study in the Lancet shows that if hospitalised the chances of death doubles. Early animal studies show that the double infection harms the tissue of the lungs and can lead to fluid on lungs

Will flu cases be rampant this year?

It is expected that cases will spike from previous years as influenza was almost wiped out due to border closures and Covid safety procedures. Early 2022 data shows the flu is coming

Will Covid-19 cases rise in winter?

Covid-19 is likely to persist in the cooler months

When are cases likely to peak?

Flu cases usually peak in August

When can I get my flu shot?

Flu vaccines are available now and free for children aged six months to under five years of age, people aged 65 or older, pregnant women and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people six months and older. People not eligible for free vaccines can still get them via their GP or some pharmacies.

Can I get my Covid-19 booster and flu shot at same time?

Yes you can. It was not recommended in the past as the vaccines were under surveillance. Experts warn not to wait for a flu shot if your booster is not due for a while.

Will there be new Covid-19 shots in the future that will target different variants?

Vaccines from the ancestral virus are proving very effective in all strains, but experts expect there may be different shots for emerging strains in future, just like the flu.