Medical expert on ‘flurona,’ holiday infection spike – new video uploaded to AP Video Hub
![A shot of the Purdue University campus during the winter season.](https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Winter-Purdue-2024_JU25323.jpg)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —
A video featuring Libby Richards, an associate professor in the School of Nursing at Purdue University, has been uploaded to the AP Video Hub.
In the video, Richards explains what “flurona” is and how influenza and Covid-19 infections have risen following the holiday season. All videos in the Campus Insights series are free for download and use by all AP members and can be found at apvideohub.ap.org or by doing a general search on the Associated Press site. AP members may use the video or pull quotes for print article or for broadcast or podcast.
STORYLINE:
Richards says that “flurona” is a co-infection of influenza and Covid-19 at the same time. While only a few cases have been reported, Richards predicts that more will occur as influenza and Covid-19 infections continue to climb. As the weather gets colder and people remain indoors, Richards says that precautionary measures like vaccination and mask wearing will continue to be important. Richards also says that many hospitals are currently at or near capacity, and both Covid-19 and influenza require the same life-saving equipment. Getting both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines will help reduce the number of hospitalizations.