Analyzing Distinctions Between Covid-19 and Seasonal Flu Respiratory Illnesses

Have you been feeling under the weather lately? It might be difficult to tell whether it's Covid-19 or flu symptoms you are experiencing. Fortunately, there are a few identifying factors that can help us differentiate between these illnesses. In this article, we'll discuss the key differences between Covid-19 and seasonal flu.

Administrator

16 August, 2023

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Investigating the Origins of the Disease

Both Covid-19 and seasonal flu are viral illnesses. Covid-19 is caused by a novel strain of the Corona virus, while the flu is caused by the Influenza virus, belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae group.

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Common flu is typically mild and recovers within a span of 2-7 days. However, COVID-19, classified as a Group A infectious disease, is highly dangerous and poses significant risks.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15% of Covid-19 cases progress to a severe stage, while 5% become critical. Critical patients often require the assistance of ventilators. Comparatively, individuals infected with Covid-19 face a greater likelihood of severe infection and a higher risk of mortality when compared to common influenza.

Please note that due to the ongoing research on Covid-19, the estimates mentioned above are subject to change as new information becomes available.

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Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. These viruses can spread to close contacts through activities such as talking, coughing, or sneezing.

Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses have the ability to remain viable on various surfaces. Hence, it is imperative to frequently disinfect objects and surfaces. The World Health Organization maintains that the exact duration of this particular virus’s survival remains undetermined, though it can potentially persist for several days.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals infected with the flu virus are capable of transmitting it to others who are within a 2-meter proximity. In light of this, the World Health Organization recommends maintaining a minimum distance of 2 meters from individuals exhibiting symptoms such as coughing or sneezing in order to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are distinctions in the transmission rates between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the flu virus. It is important to note that individuals with the flu can transmit the virus even in the absence of symptoms.

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Seasonal Flu Symptoms:
– Fever
– Headache
– Muscle pain
– Fatigue
– Runny nose
– Sore throat
– Cough (usually severe and prolonged)

Covid-19 Symptoms:
– Fever
– Cough
– Difficulty breathing
– Severe pneumonia (in some cases)
– Acute respiratory distress (in severe cases)
– Risk of death, especially in individuals with chronic illnesses and underlying conditions.

Symptoms	Covid-19	Seasonal flu
Incubation period	1 – 14 days	1 – 4 days
Onset of symptoms	Gradual	Sudden
Fever	Common	Common
Cough	Common	Common
Fatigue	Common	Common
Runny nose	Occasionally	Occasionally
Nasal congestion	Occasionally	Occasionally
Diarrhea	Occasionally	Occasionally
Muscle aches	Occasionally	Common
Sore throat	Occasionally	Occasionally
Headache	Occasionally	Occasionally
Loss of taste	Occasionally	Common
Shortness of breath	Common	Occasionally
Respiratory problems	Common	Occasionally

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The flu, a long-standing seasonal illness, offers a multitude of treatment options to patients. Typically, symptoms can be managed through treatment of specific symptoms, allowing the body to naturally eradicate the virus within a matter of days. However, it is crucial to note that the most effective means of preventing and mitigating the impact of the flu epidemic lies in vaccination.

Covid-19 Treatment

Due to Covid-19 being a newly identified strain of virus, there are currently no authorized antiviral drugs available for its treatment. Scientists worldwide are diligently conducting ongoing research to identify potential medications specifically targeting this virus.

There are various treatment options available for symptoms related to this condition. In mild cases, healthcare professionals may opt for active monitoring and prescribe antipyretic medications to alleviate fever. In more severe instances, patients may necessitate supplemental oxygen therapy or make use of ventilators for addressing respiratory complications.

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Preventing the Flu through Annual Vaccination

One of the most successful approaches to preventing the flu is through annual vaccination. The effectiveness of flu vaccines varies based on factors such as the age and immune response of the individual receiving the vaccine. To combat the different strains that circulate each season, medical professionals rely on their expertise to predict the most prevalent strains for that particular year so that the appropriate vaccine components can be selected.

As Covid-19 is a novel strain, there is currently no available vaccine for effective prevention. Consequently, the primary method of mitigating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is as follows:

To ensure personal safety and the well-being of our community, it is vital to wear a mask properly.
It is crucial to prioritize personal hygiene by consistently washing hands with soap and clean water or employing alcohol-based hand sanitizers on a regular basis.
Important Safety Precautions

Important Safety Precautions

As part of preventive measures for personal hygiene and safety, it is strongly advised to refrain from touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, or mouth. This precaution helps to minimize the risk of contracting and spreading viral and bacterial infections.
To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, we kindly request that unnecessary gatherings be avoided and strict adherence to social distancing practices be followed.
Please ensure to cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing. It is essential to dispose of the tissue appropriately and in accordance with regulations.
“Please kindly refrain from close contact with individuals exhibiting flu symptoms as a precautionary measure. It is advised to maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters from everyone.”
We strongly recommend adhering to the guidance provided by healthcare professionals and official channels of the Ministry of Health.

Source: ThS.BSCKII Nguyễn Nguyên Huyền – Head of the Medical Examination Department at Central Children’s Hospital (more information available here).

Here are the criteria for discerning between acute respiratory diseases caused by Covid-19 and seasonal flu. Let us prioritize our health amidst this ongoing pandemic.