Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China.
This is the consequence of SARS-CoV-2 virus. As prevalence of the
disease increased all around the world, by March 11, 2020, World Health
Organization (WHO) declared it as a pandemic disease [1]. Influenza
virus is an encapsulated single-stranded RNA virus which infects the
epithelium of the airways. Influenza type-1 can result in seasonal flu
and about 5-10% of adults will be exposed to it annually [2].
Clinical presentation of COVID-19 is similar to that of influenza virus
infection. Influenza is known to cause coinfection with other
respiratory infections [3]. Influenza infection presents with
symptoms such as high-grade fever, cough, myalgia and rhinorrhea
[4]. Studies suggest that coinfection with many respiratory
pathogens is common. Coinfection with two viruses can affect the host
and bring about synergism and as a result, considerably influence the
disease pathogenesis, immune system responses as well as the treatment
outcome [2]. Respiratory viral infections such a COVID-19 and
influenza have very similar symptoms which can make problems such as
delayed diagnosis and treatment [5]. Here, we report three cases of
COVID-19 and influenza coinfection whose PCR tests were positive for
both diseases. After treatment, all three cases were discharged with
satisfactory general conditions.