Certain illnesses share similar symptoms and manifestations. Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 have common symptoms, but the two conditions still have distinct differences that would help avoid unnecessary worry for the patient. Find out the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19, and understand what you can do to prevent getting infected.
Both flu and COVID-19 are respiratory conditions caused by viruses, and are considered to be highly contagious. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, while COVID-19 is caused by the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 virus which stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Flu vs. COVID-19: A comparison
These two illnesses manifest varying degrees of manifestation of symptoms, from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to mild, and up to severe. It is also considerable to note that not all symptoms will present themselves consistently in all patients.
| FLU | COVID | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Spread through respiratory droplets passed on to others by talking, sneezing, coughing. A person who touches a surface with infected respiratory droplets then touches his face, nose, or mouth, may also end up getting infected. | |
| Signs and Symptoms |
Symptoms are usually self-limiting unless complications arise, e.g., pneumonia is a common complication in at-risk population |
Usual symptoms
Less common symptoms
Warning symptoms
|
| Onset of Symptoms after Infection | Symptoms may develop 1-4 days after infection | Symptoms may develop from 2 to 14 days after infection |
| At-risk Population |
|
|
| Treatment |
Treatment for flu is symptomatic and supportive:
|
Evaluation of therapeutic drugs and treatments are still underway. Refer to the list regularly updated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here to know recommendations on available treatments. |
| Vaccine | Influenza vaccines produced annually to help reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization and death from complications. | Several COVID-19 vaccines already released, more undergoing clinical trials. Aims to reduce severity of illness, hospitalization, and death from complications. |
The two diseases have similar symptoms and the fastest way to determine which is which is by getting tested for COVID-19. If your results show negative for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, likely you are infected by another condition but need to be further diagnosed by a physician.
How do you prevent infection
Following minimum public health standards is effective in preventing the transmission of flu, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases:
During a pandemic, it is important to protect yourself and the people around you to avoid the further spread of infections. Follow safety protocols and keep your body healthy with proper diet, exercise, and supplementation if needed.
If you end up getting infected by an illness, consult a physician immediately to be guided with proper diagnosis, medical advice, and treatment. Do not resort to using unapproved medication which have not been tested for use on your condition.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
COVID-19 is a novel disease. Information about the virus continues to evolve as more research is done worldwide.
Sources:
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