Testing company confirms 1st known instance of 'flurona' - flu and coronavirus - in SoCal

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A testing company on Wednesday confirmed the first occurrence of 'flurona' in Southern California, referring to the condition of being infected with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time.

The co-infection was detected at a testing site at the Getty Center in Brentwood, according to 911 COVID Testing. The patient is a minor who just returned from vacation in Cabo San Lucas with family.

Steve Farzam, the testing company's chief operating officer, told Eyewitness News the patient was experiencing symptoms but was not hospitalized and went home with their parents after being tested.

It's not clear how severe their symptoms are or if they are still positive for the illnesses.

What is 'Flurona'? Developing 2 separate infections a new health risk, experts say

Although rare, experts say it is possible to develop both COVID-19 and influenza at the same time, a condition known as "flurona."

Both influenza and COVID-19 are respiratory diseases that can cause similar symptoms like a cough, runny nose and sore throat.

The term flurona is a relatively new one used to describe two separate infections existing at the same time in one person. Experts have clarified that the two viruses do not combine to create a new virus or disease but the individual may experience symptoms of both at the same time.

Health experts say the biggest risk is to people with underlying conditions or those who have not been vaccinated.