Flu vs. Covid 19

Is Covid-19 totally different from flu?
Answer is no. They have many similarities and differences.
They have some common symptoms. But through closer comparison, they can affect people differently.

How are COVID-19 and the flu similar?
1. COVID-19 and the flu are both contagious respiratory diseases caused by viruses.
2. They spread in similar ways.They can both spread between people who are in close contact (within 6 feet, or 2 meters). The viruses spread through respiratory droplets or aerosols released through talking, sneezing or coughing. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby or be inhaled. These viruses can also spread if a person touches a surface with one of the viruses on it and then touches his or her mouth, nose or eyes.
3.COVID-19 and the flu have many signs and symptoms in common, including:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Tiredness
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting, but this is more common in children than in adults
4.Both COVID-19 and the flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure, heart attacks, heart or brain inflammation, stroke, and death.

What should we do if we have one or more symptoms mentioned above?
Have a call with your doctor to see whether you should have testing or just stay at home. Testing may be done to see if you have COVID-19 or the flu. Many people with the flu or mild symptoms of COVID-19 can recover at home with rest and fluids. But some people become seriously ill from the flu or COVID-19 and need to stay in the hospital.

What’s the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?
1.COVID-19 and the flu have several differences. COVID-19 and the flu are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, while influenza is caused by influenza A and B viruses.
2.Symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu appear at different times and have some differences.
• With COVID-19, you may experience loss of taste or smell.
• COVID-19 symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure. Flu symptoms usually appear about one to four days after exposure.
• COVID-19 appears to be more contagious and to spread more quickly than the flu.
• The mortality rate also is higher with COVID-19 than the flu.
• COVID-19 can cause different complications from the flu, such as blood clots and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.
• Also, since the flu has been around much longer, doctors know more about how to treat and prevent it, while they continue to learn more about COVID-19.

How can we avoid getting COVID-19 and the flu?
According CDC guideline, you can take the same steps to reduce your risk of infection from the viruses that cause COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory infections by following several standard precautions, include:
• Avoiding large events and mass gatherings
• Avoiding close contact (within 6 feet, or 2 meters) with anyone outside your household, especially if you have a higher risk of serious illness
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Wearing a cloth face mask when you’re in public spaces, such as the grocery store, where it’s difficult to avoid close contact with others
• Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters, daily

Taking these prevention measures can help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of becoming ill with COVID-19 or the flu.

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