Israel has reported its first case of Florona, or simultaneous infection with novel coronavirus and influenza viruses, according to media reports on 2 January. The potentially dangerous case was found in an unvaccinated young pregnant woman in Israel.

“On arrival she was diagnosed with both influenza and novel coronavirus infections. We tested again and the results were still positive.” The patient’s symptoms were ‘mild’ and she was discharged Thursday, said Dr. Arnon Vizhnitser, director of obstetrics and gynecology at the hospital.

“Last year, we had no flu cases in pregnant women or women giving birth. Now, we are seeing an increase in both novel coronavirus infections and influenza cases, with more and more pregnant women contracting influenza.” “It’s a huge challenge, dealing with a woman who has a fever during childbirth, and you don’t know if it’s coronavirus or flu,” Says Wiznitser. Because the symptoms of influenza and novel coronavirus infections are very similar, the virus is currently attacking the upper respiratory tract.”

Israel’s Ministry of Health is reportedly evaluating the case to determine whether the combination of the two viruses could cause more severe illness. Health officials estimate that there may be many patients with dual infections who are not diagnosed.

Israel has seen a new wave of outbreaks as the Omicron variant swept through. According to projections, the number of new infections could peak at more than 50,000 a day during the current wave of the epidemic.

Nahla Abdul Wahab, a doctor at Cairo University Hospital, said the dual infection of the Novel coronavirus and influenza viruses could indicate that the patient’s immune system has broken down because the body is letting in both viruses at the same time.

At the same time, as the global spread of Omicron accelerates, scientists are assessing the potential risk of various combinations of virus and novel Coronavirus variants. Paul Burton, chief medical officer of vaccine maker Moderna, warned last month that a combination of the Delta and Omicron variants could create new, more dangerous viruses.