‘Twindemic’ Could Overwhelm Hospitals: UC Berkeley Expert

BERKELEY, CA — The rise of the omicron variant and the emergence of influenza cases could soon create a public health double-whammy, and a UC Berkeley infectious disease expert is among those concerned a possible “twindemic” could overwhelm hospitals, ABC 7 reports.

Cases of influenza signaling the start of flu season have already been detected in Marin County, just as health experts scramble to learn more about the new variant first reported in South Africa, the report said.

The flu season, which typically kills tens of thousands of Americans each year, is emerging amid growing concerns about omicron amid a pandemic with no apparent end in site.

Dr. John Swartzberg acknowledged the prospect of a coronavirus surge combined with influenza is concerning, the report said.

"We don't know whether Omicron will add substantially to that or not. But, Delta is enough of a problem as it is,” Swatzberg told the television station.

“We don't want people ending up at the hospital with Delta and people winding in the hospital with the influenza and hospital beds getting filled and the ICU beds getting with both of these patients."

Read more at ABC 7