Differences Between Covid and Flu

Unexpected viral infections are a common topic of discussion these days. Even if it is just the flu, we should not be careless. At first, we assumed covid was just the flu, but its impact forced the world to shut down for a while. Still, the impact of the virus exists, and we have learnt to live with it. However, the increasing prevalence of viral diseases has made it more challenging to distinguish between the common flu and covid-19. So, it is important to continue taking precautions such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and getting vaccinated to protect ourselves and others from both the flu and covid-19. It is also essential to stay informed about the latest updates on viruses and to follow the guidelines provided by health authorities.

And these frequent misunderstandings develop while addressing either of these illnesses. So, the blog is presented here to clarify these confusions. Let us get started!

Covid 19 and the flu are both contagious respiratory infections caused by viruses and while they share some symptoms, but their effects on different people are not the same.

Influenza (Flu)

Flu is caused by influenza viruses. The elderly (those sixty-five and over), young children, and those with pre-existing medical issues are more likely to have severe flu complications.

Covid 19

Covid 19 is caused by coronavirus. It was more contagious than the flu and the complications are severe than the flu.

Similarities

1. Symptoms

Covid-19 with influenza can cause a range of symptoms, from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Covid-19 shares symptoms with the flu, such as:

• Fever or the sensation of having a fever/chills
• Cough
• Difficulty or shortness of breathing
• Tiredness
• Throat pain
• Nasal congestion
• Body aches and pains
• Diarrhea (more likely in children with flu, but can develop at any age with covid-19)
• Taste and smell changes

2. Similarity in Spreading

The covid-19 virus and the influenza virus are both highly contagious and can easily transfer from one person to another through close physical contact. Large and small virus-containing particles released during coughing, sneezing, and talking are responsible for the majority of transmission of both covid-19 and the flu.

Most people get sick by breathing in large and small droplets of the virus. It is also possible to get sick by touching someone who has the virus on their hands, or by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

3. Complications

Covid-19 with the flu can cause significant consequences like:

• Pneumonia
• Acute respiratory distress
• Organs Damage
• Heart attacks
• Stroke

Differences

1. Duration of Virus Transmission

It may take longer for symptoms to appear after infection with covid-19 than with the flu.

• The average time between infection and the onset of Flu symptoms is 1-4 days.
• But, for covid symptoms might appear anywhere between 2 and 5 days (and even up to 14 days) after infection.

2. Virus Transmission Length of a Person

Flu 

Individuals infected with the flu virus may spread the infection up to a day before they start showing symptoms. Yet, those who are already ill with the flu are thought to be the primary transmitters of the virus.

Children and adults aged twelve and above are most likely to spread the flu during the first three to four days of their illness, though some may stay infectious for a while.

New-borns and individuals with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a prolonged time.

Covid-19

The infectious period for the covid-19 virus begins on average 2-3 days before the onset of symptoms and increases one day before the symptoms begin.

It is possible for people to spread the covid-19 virus without showing any signs of infection.

People are thought to be contagious for a period of approximately eight days from the start of their symptoms, on average.

3. Differences in Spreading

It is believed that the covid-19 virus and the influenza virus both transmit in a similar way, the covid-19 virus is typically more contagious than the influenza virus. More spreading episodes have been documented for covid-19 than for the influenza virus. This indicates that the covid-19 virus can rapidly infect a large number of people.

The covid-19 virus can be passed from one person to another before any symptoms appear, by those with just mild symptoms, and by those who never develop any symptoms at all (asymptomatic people).

4. Complications

Flu: Most people with the flu will get better on their own within a week or two, but a small percentage can develop serious complications and need hospitalization. Unlike covid-19, influenza frequently causes secondary bacterial infections.

When compared to adults, diarrhoea is more common in young children with the flu.

Covid-19: Covid-19 can cause significant difficulties, such as clots in the pulmonary, cardiac, venous, and arterial systems of children and adults with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome.

It is possible for anyone who has had covid-19, even if they recovered quickly or showed no symptoms at all, to have post-covid problems.

5. Treatments & Vaccines

Flu: The Food and Drug Administration has approved antiviral medicines for the treatment of influenza. These antiviral medications are effective against influenza but have no effect on covid-19.

Patients at elevated risk for complications who develop flu-like symptoms while hospitalized should be given antiviral treatment as soon as possible.

Flu Vaccine: Multiple influenza vaccines authorized by the FDA are manufactured annually to defend against the four influenza viruses that scientists anticipate will circulate each year.

Covid 19: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established treatment guidelines for covid-19, and these guidelines are frequently updated when new evidence about treatments becomes available. The treatment of severe covid-19 in hospitals, as well as the treatment of persons at high risk of developing severe covid-19 outside of hospitals, both involve the use of antiviral medications.

Covid Vaccine: Covid-19 vaccines available in India are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. Covid-19 protection is maximized with regular immunization and boosters, just as it is for other vaccine-preventable infections. Moreover, India recognizes twelve vaccines as safe and effective.

If you are feeling down and confused about the symptoms of covid 19 and the flu or any other viral diseases, it is best to consult a doctor to avoid complications.