Differentiating the Seasonal Flu from COVID-19
Written by Moses Aisida
It is flu season again as we approach wintertime in a year that is a lot different from previous ones. The rapid, global emergence of the COVID-19 virus in the first quarter of the year has seen soaring numbers of infected persons and, as we approach flu season, these numbers seem to be rising at a more rapid rate than ever. With November ushering us into the winter season, the fear of having the flu will drastically multiply, and this is because of the similarities between influenza (flu) and COVID-19.
Differentiating between the flu and COVID-19 virus will be a challenging task for health practitioners and citizens as the mode of transmission of both viruses is similar. They are both airborne, transmitted through respiratory droplets, and are transmitted through the mouth and nose while coughing, talking, sneezing, or releasing saliva into the atmosphere. These similarities extend to the symptoms, as both viruses share the same manner of symptoms, which may include:
· Acute Fever
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
· Tiredness or body pains
· Headache
· Nausea
Both viruses can also lead to severe complications if not treated in time. The similarities in the transmission and symptoms between these illnesses make it challenging to differentiate between the viruses. While this might be the case, there are still lots of differences between the flu and COVID- 19.
They include:
Mortality Rate: COVID-19 is a deadlier virus than the flu with a mortality rate of 3-4% compared to the flu, which reportedly has a death rate of below 1%.
Vaccination: There are currently annual vaccines available to combat the seasonal flu. However, COVID-19 has no vaccine as of yet.
Symptom Occurrence: Both viruses have different manifestation times. COVID-19 has a symptom range of two to fourteen days, while the flu lasts between a day and five days from the time of exposure. COVID-19 also has other unique symptoms like loss of taste and smell.
Adverse Effect: COVID-19 can lead to permanent lung damage and other long term health conditions which are still being researched and realized.
Spread: The flu does not spread as fast as COVID-19, and it has lesser secondary transmission than the COVID-19 virus.
In Conclusion, COVID-19 and seasonal influenza (flu) are very similar in symptoms, occurrence, and mode of transmission. However, the death rate, occurrence of symptoms, and other important details differentiate both viruses. Understanding the differences between COVID-19 and the flu can help to predict accurate treatments for both and subsequently save lives.
