Given the changes in temperature in the city of Lima, many people are falling ill with a very acute cold, which experts do not rule out could be new cases of 'flurona' —a co-infection by two respiratory viruses at the same time, something that is already happening in other parts of the world.
"The first case reported was that of an Israeli pregnant woman who had both conditions, but it did not become a severe case," she added.
The expert commented that co-infections have always existed, and influenza is present in the country. For a few weeks, there has been an outbreak in the Amazonia —namely in Iquitos, Yurimaguas, and San Martin.
Could there be such cases in Peru?
"It is definitely a possibility. That is why it is important to get vaccinated against influenza as well. Any vulnerable population such as children, expectant mothers, teachers, etc. should do so," she suggested.
The health professional explained that, from an epidemiological point of view, it is a bad sign that cases of this type may occur here, as it would mean that the recommended biosafety measures are not complied with.
"The influenza virus is transmitted through drops of sweat and contact. So, the fact that there are outbreaks of influenza means that we are not complying with the corresponding measures. Let's remember that influenza is less transmissible than SARS-CoV-2," Dr. Solari explained.
The infectious disease specialist stated that there is no particular characteristic of the
Omicron variant or of influenza which can differentiate one from the other. Both infections produce upper respiratory symptoms and are virtually indistinguishable.
"There is no clinical feature that can tell us: 'Oh, I have this.' That does not exist. What we indeed do is to study respiratory viruses. If they are negative for SARS-CoV-2, we will try to monitor influenza as well," Dr. Solari indicated.
According to the expert, it is essential to continue with the vaccination against COVID-19 in the same way as against influenza so as to prevent cases of this type from occurring in large numbers in Peru.