Compass Laboratory Services said both of the positive Flurona cases involved young children who had “significant symptoms,” of respiratory infection.

William Budd, chief scientific office of Compass Laboratory Services, said the two cases of Flurona were the first observed by the lab.

“Even though these are the first cases of ‘Flurona’ we have observed, we have seen many cases of co-infection between COVID-19 and respiratory bacterial pathogens,” Budd said.

“Clinicians need access to more extensive testing as it has been shown that nearly half of hospitalized patients with flu like illnesses are infected with more than one respiratory pathogen.

“It is important that persons with respiratory illnesses check with their medical provider, be tested, as appropriate, and follow medical advice.

The risks of developing severe COVID-19 and influenza can be affected by persons taking all preventive measures, including vaccines, as age-appropriate for both illnesses, wearing the best fitting masks possible for age, social distancing to the extent possible, and maintaining good respiratory hygiene, including good hand washing.”.