A case of influenza A and COVID-19 co-infection in a patient with severe asthma Similarities and differences between the two viruses

A novel coronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), resulting in an acute respiratory illness has been recently emerged to a pandemic COVID-19 pandemic developed in a season when influenza was prevalent Influenza is well known to cause respiratory infection with other respiratory pathogens, however, limited data exists concerning COVID-19 and influenza co-infection Both viruses seem to share transmission characteristics and clinical manifestations Asthma, on the other hand, a chronic inflammatory condition involving the airways seems to be a risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness It is important for pulmonologists to be aware of such potential co-infections in order to be able to early recognize them and prevent disease progression and death We report the case of a patient with severe asthma, receiving biologic treatment, with a history of a recent travel abroad, who presented co-infection of influenza A and SARS-COV-2, reviewing as well the literature concerning the similarities and differences between the two viruses