This is the conclusion of a new study by researchers from the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and the University of Edinburgh. The researchers state that although a double infection occurs less often, they also expect that a double infection will be more frequent in the future. That is why the LUMC researchers recommend that you always test for both viruses during hospitalization and that the national vaccination campaign for vulnerable groups be adjusted accordingly in the future.
The study, based on 300,000 patients, was published in The Lancet. “In the past two years, we regularly saw patients with COVID-19 become seriously ill, sometimes resulting in IC admission and ventilation,” says Maaike Swets, PhD candidate at the Department of Infectious Diseases at the LUMC and the University of Edinburgh. An infection with influenza (flu) can lead to a similar situation. “But less was known about the consequences of a double infection with SARS-CoV-2 and flu – or other respiratory viruses.”
Worrying outcome
The results of a double infection thus show worrisome outcomes. Major consequences for the patient, but possible for hospitals and ICU capacity during seasons in which SARS-CoV-2 and influenza circulate together, the researchers say.
Thus, the number of people with more than one infection is expected to increase. Especially during periods when different viruses are in circulation. Swets explains that this may have been less during the corona pandemic due to the one and a half meter policy, self-isolation and mouth masks. Now that there are no more corona measures and there is a flu epidemic, this could lead to an increase in double infections.
Lead researcher of the LUMC, Geert Groeneveld, mentions the importance of prevention. Not only social hygiene, but also vaccinations can prevent worse. “Protection against the coronavirus and the flu virus is especially important for vulnerable people.”