Health conscious:
Today's world really suffered a lot because of viruses. So we need to know the Difference between Flu and Covid-19.
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) first identified in 2019. Flu is caused by infection with a flu virus (influenza viruses).
From what we know, COVID-19 spreads more easily than flu. Efforts to maximize the proportion of people in the United States who are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines remain critical to reducing the risk of severe COVID-19 illness and death. More information is available about COVID-19 vaccines and how well they work. Compared with flu, COVID-19 can cause more severe illness in some people. Compared to people with flu, people infected with COVID-19 may take longer to show symptoms and may be contagious for longer periods of time. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by the symptoms alone because they have some of the same signs and symptoms. Specific testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis. Having a medical professional administer a specific test that detects both flu and COVID-19 allows you to get diagnosed and treated for the specific virus you have more quickly. Getting treated early for COVID-19 and flu can reduce your risk of getting very sick. Testing can also reveal if someone has both flu and COVID-19 at the same time, although this is uncommon. People with flu and COVID-19 at the same time can have more severe disease than people with either flu or COVID-19 alone. Additionally, some people with COVID-19 may also be affected by post-COVID conditions (also known as long COVID). We are learning more every day about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it. This page compares COVID-19 and flu, given the best available information to date.
Cooler temperatures and the start of the school year signal the start of seasonal sicknesses. Viruses that cause common colds and the flu will mix with COVID-19 and make it difficult to know what’s making you ill. Gunderson’s infection retentionists Megan Mellor and Meghan Butcher help you tell them apart.
Table describing the symptoms of COVID-19, Influenza, and a Cold. What are the symptoms of a cold, the flu and COVID-19? Cold symptoms include: Cough Runny or stuffy nose Sneezing Sore throat COVID-19 and the flu share symptoms, including: Fever Chills Cough Fatigue Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle pain or body aches Headache Vomiting or diarrhea Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (more common with COVID-19) Change in loss of taste or smell (more common with CO Am I at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 or flu? Let’s be clear: Both COVID-19 and flu can result in severe illness, complications, hospitalizations and even death. What’s scary about COVID-19 is that healthy people with no known risk factors can get seriously ill. We don’t know yet why some people get really sick from COVID-19 and others don’t. High-risk groups for flu complications: Adults 65 years and older Pregnant women Children younger than 2 years old Adults with chronic health conditions including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and immunocompromised High-risk groups for COVID-19 complications: Adults 65 years and older People with certain underlying medical conditions Pregnant women Some of my symptoms match each virus. How do I know what I'm sick with? Getting tested for COVID-19 and the flu is the easiest way to narrow down what might be making you sick. You should get immediate emergency care if you have: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion Inability to wake or stay awake Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone What are the treatment options for a common cold, or mild cases of the flu or COVID-19? Decongestants, saline rinses and pain relievers can help with symptom relief. You should also: Drink lots of water, juice, or broth to replace fluids lost from a fever Use a cool mist humidifier to help ease congestion and coughing Prop yourself with 2 or 3 pillows to make it easier to breathe or sleep Limit the level and frequency of physical activity What are the treatment options for flu? Some people may benefit from a flu antiviral to speed recovery, especially if they are at higher risk of complications. Antivirals are not sold over the counter and must be given within 48 hours from when symptoms begin. Talk to your medical provider to see if antiviral treatment is right for you. What are the treatment options for COVID-19? For people at high risk of disease progression, your healthcare provider might recommend that you receive additional treatment. They will decide whether additional treatments are appropriate for you. Is there anything I can do to protect myself from serious illness, hospitalization or worse? Get vaccinated. It’s that simple. The COVID-19 vaccines are available now to every one 12 and older. Flu shots are now available during some clinic appointments, while Gunderson will hold its annual flu shot clinics later this fall. You can receive both vaccines at the same time, although we recommend the COVID-19 vaccine immediately. Visit gundersenhealth.org in the coming months for full details on our flu clinics.
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