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A study that used the multiplex PCR test showed: there are already proven cases in people with COVID
And the flu is here! There are already people infected with both the flu and the coronavirus. This was established by the laboratory of one of the largest university hospitals in Sofia when it was examined at will with a combined test recommended by the World Health Organization for specific diagnoses.
The test distinguishes the three viruses as causes of acute respiratory disorders with similar symptoms, but with different causes and different treatments: influenza A, influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus infection.
The study by multiplex PCR test showed influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 in three people, said Professor Radka Argirova, president of the Bulgarian Society for Medical Virology and the National Board of Experts in Virology of the Bulgarian Medical Union. Before “24 hours” commented that the appearance of cases is not surprising. Virologists have long warned of such a development in the months when seasonal flu circulates.
One proven case was that of a person with cancer and therefore a vulnerable immune system, but the other two had only a mild cough. The very fact of coin infections is not surprising, if we can speak of news, it is that the spread of influenza has already begun.
The test uses the same technology as the well-known PCR for COVID. Sample secretion is also taken from the nose and throat, but uses different primers and fluorescent probes specifically targeted to the respective different virus markers.
In theory, influenza viruses can also be detected in summer, but are widespread during the cold months. For Bulgaria, the peaks are usually from January to February, and if a second wave starts, it is more often in March with another strain. In such a scenario, a person may be “repeated” for the flu – to get the two predominant options for the season.
A complicated situation is expected this winter due to the pandemic.
The consequences of both influenza and COVID are not yet clear, but it is now more certain than ever that it is better to curb the influenza epidemic. The most effective way to avoid influenza is through vaccination, recalled the WHO Office for Europe the day before. There are two main hypotheses in the scientific community for the coming months: When the two types of viruses merge, the course will deteriorate dramatically, or our new hygiene habits and wearing masks may actually reduce the spread of the flu. The second version is expected in countries where there is respect for the rules and public concern to follow them.
No one can predict how severe the flu season will be. But there is good news from the southern hemisphere, where the active time for infection is coming to an end. In Australia, Chile and New Zealand, the rates are unprecedentedly low. Public health experts explain that governments have implemented coronavirus control strategies so well (distancing, hand washing and wearing masks) that the flu has not had a chance to reach its potential for respiratory infection. Optimists expect the same to happen in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the spread of COVID is more than alarming, records are also being set in Bulgaria.
Overall test statistics as of November 17 show 44% positive poll results.
“Our team works with maximum load and without rest,” said Prof. Argirova. “In our laboratory, for example, more than half of all positive tests for coronavirus have been performed in recent days.”
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