Don't just call it the flu! The illness filling up emergency rooms is a harbinger of a new epidemic

With the cooling of the weather, there is an increase in flu cases. However, what we are facing this time is not an ordinary flu!

A new virus, referred to as the combo virus, is emerging with symptoms similar to the flu.

In an interview with Sputnik, Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya said, "New Year's is coming, and don't start 2025 with 'combo virus' infections. We are experiencing another epidemic characterized by flu-like fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and joint pain."

Spending time in closed environments due to the cooling weather brings with it an increase in cases of respiratory tract diseases.

The newly emerging combo virus arises from the simultaneous spread of multiple viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and other seasonal viruses.

Stating that flu symptoms in emergency rooms and outpatient clinics have increased 2-3 fold, creating significant density, Özkaya said, "We are experiencing an epidemic where people are applying and not applying to hospitals with complaints of high fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and joint pain. Minds are confused. We have started to see cases again with serious lung involvement and hospitalizations that are above the usual increase seen in seasonal periods."

Because people are not affected by just a single virus, cases have become widespread and it has become difficult to protect against the virus.

Prof. Dr. Özkaya stated, "Several viruses are affecting people at once. That is why we often cannot find which virus is making them sick. One shows up in tests, another doesn't. Because the normal influenza virus used to cause fever and cough for two or three days and then resolve, but in the current picture, because several viruses are effective at once, it is longer and more effective. Fever and cough strike. One day you are fine, one day you are bad; in other words, the flu has become chronic. Because it is not one virus, several viruses are effective in society at once. COVID-19 seems like it will never end, and together with seasonal viruses, we have started to see serious lung involvement in elderly patients with chronic diseases. This triple virus poses a vital danger to our elderly and chronic patients. Therefore, New Year's is coming, and due to holidays and group activities, let 2025 not be our nightmare."

News Source: 12punto