Flu and Covid-19: How to differentiate the symptoms?

COVID-19 and the flu have similar symptoms. Flu symptoms tend to come on faster and vary more. The COVID-19 virus, on the other hand, is more likely to cause serious illness, or worse, lead to death. Shedding light on the differences between the two diseases!

Symptoms

The symptoms that result from COVID-19 and the flu are similar. Thus, it is quite difficult to tell the difference between the two based on the symptoms alone.

If you feel sick and have signs consistent with both COVID-19 and the flu, your doctor may perform tests to make the correct diagnosis.

COVID-19 and flu: the commonalities

Both COVID-19 and the flu can cause similar symptoms to varying degrees. You may be asymptomatic (have no symptoms) or develop severe symptoms.

Here are the symptoms that the two diseases have in common:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Tired
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches or body aches
• Headache
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

Additionally, both COVID-19 and the flu can cause pneumonia, a secondary lung infection.

COVID-19 and flu: the differences

Many people infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19 virus) do not feel sick or develop symptoms but they can still transmit the virus to other people.

Unlike the flu, symptoms of COVID-19 can include loss of taste (ageusia) or smell (anosmia).

Typically, people with the flu experience symptoms within 1 to 4 days . Symptoms of COVID-19 take between 1 and 14 days . The latest studies have shown that the median incubation period of the COVID-19 virus is 5.1 days .

Its reproduction rate is 2 times to 2.5 times higher than that of the flu.

The toe sign?

In addition to the aforementioned Covid-19 symptoms, a few new signs have surfaced. According to an analysis of the international register of dermatological repercussions of Covid-19, dermatological problems are cited with rashes and inflammatory signs in the toes. How long does it last? 15 days or so, but some patients experience toe pain that can last for several months.

The severity and mortality rate

Symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can be mild or severe.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with mild symptoms of COVID-19 do not need to be hospitalized. The WHO classifies mild cases based on the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Tiredness
• loss of appetite
• sore throats
• Headaches

According to the WHO, about 15% of COVID-19 cases are severe, and 5% are critical. People in critical condition need a ventilator to breathe. The risk of severe and critical infection is higher with COVID-19 than with influenza.

COVID-19 is also more deadly. According to the WHO, its mortality rate seems to be higher than that of the flu. Research on COVID-19 is still in its infancy, these estimates may change over time.

Do you have symptoms of Covid-19?

If you have the symptoms mentioned above, you must call your doctor or consult by teleconsultation. You will have to describe your symptoms to him in a precise way, stay at home and go out only in case of necessity or emergency. Remember to always wear a mask even at home to protect yourself and others.