Difference Between Covid-19 and Flu

Since December 31, 2019 till date, Covid-19 a disastrous global disease- Corona Virus has affected almost millions of people across the globe, leading to a massive pandemic. The Covid-19 Pandemic has been compared to general flu, also known as influenza. Influenza, in simple terms is a viral illness that can lead to a certain stage where the person may suffer from serious respiratory symptoms.

People were able to state Covid-19 quite similar to influenza as both the infectious diseases have a common symptom- the respiratory illness, but they differ in many ways.

In this article, we will discuss in the detail the comparison and contrast between the two diseases.

COVID-19 and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, but the similarities end there. Both the viruses are different and so are the symptoms they showcase in humans. We can say that both the viruses can cause severe illness and might lead to death as well, but according to the reports drawn by the authorities, it is stated that Covid-19 the severity and potential complications linked with Covid-19 are more severe than those linked with the flu.

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that leads to Covid-19. SARS-CoV-2, is a deadly virus whose traces were first found in Wuhan, China, in the year 2019. Covid-19 is a highly contagious virus that can even spread form certain respiratory droplets that comes out of the human's mouth while talking, even while coughing or sneezing.

Influenza is the virus that leads to flu and can spread in similar ways as we have discussed before for Covid-19. We can state that the flu is not as contagious or as harmful as Covid-19 but can lead to severe health issues if not taken care of properly. In contrast, the flu is caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread in a similar way. The flu has shorter incubation period, in simple terms it means that the symptoms start spearing within few hours to a few days after exposure to the virus.

Here is the list of common symptoms that can be found in both; COVID-19 and flu- such as fever, cough, and fatigue. Whereas, COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell as well, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which are less common with the flu. The flu can cause a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and headache, which are less common with COVID-19.

Now, let us have a look at the illness that is associated with Covid-19 and flu. We can see that both the viruses can cause mild illness and can lead to severe life-threatening illness as well, but COVID-19 is often more severe than the flu.

The coronavirus can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, and blood clots, which can lead to long-term health complications or death. The flu can also lead to pneumonia, but it is less likely to cause severe complications than COVID-19.

The study indicates that certain group of people, usually with low immune system are at a higher risk of severe illness or complications from both Covid-19 and the flu. Generally, old people, people who are already suffering from certain health issues, and pregnant women are at a target of getting severe illness or complication from both the viruses. Young children have a high chance of getting in contact with flu as compared to Covid-19.

After the coming of Covid-19, the medicinal industry has come up with vaccines to protect the people from life threatening disease.

When there was a global breakdown of Covid-19 Pandemic, many countries implemented strict measures like lockdown, social distancing, and travel restrictions as well to slow the spread of virus.

While COVID-19 and the flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, they differ in many ways.

The below table gives a glimpse about the difference between Covid-19 and flu:

Points of Comparison

Virus: After the coming of Covid-19 virus, all he scientists came together to found out the virus that lead to so many deaths and the virus which the management found was named as SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The virus that leads too flue is the influenza virus.

Transmission: Both COVID-19 and the flu are mainly spread through respiratory droplets from infected individuals. But there is a slight difference or we can say that Covid-19 can spread easily as compared to flu as it can also be spread by airborne transmission, while the flu is primarily spread by droplets.

The harmful Covid-19 virus had been found to be more contagious as compared to flu. This can be said as Covid-19 is such a virus that can even spread form by people who are asymptomatic or from those who have mild symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify and contain the virus. Whereas in flu people generally are typically contagious for a shorter period, making it easier to identify and contain the spread of the virus.

Incubation period: If the person is infected with Covid-19 then the incubation period is generally of 2 to 14 days and if the person is infected with flu, then the incubation period they have to go through or follow is of 1 to 4 days.

Symptoms: There are certain similar symptoms that are found in both the viruses- such as fever and cough. There are harsh or life threatening symptoms that can be found in Covid-19 such as shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which are less common with the flu.

While we have a look at flu, the symptoms are quiet general- sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and headache, which are less common with COVID-19.

Severity of illness: Both COVID-19 and the flu can range from mild to severe, but COVID-19 has a higher mortality rate than the flu. Coronavirus can also cause more severe complications, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, and blood clots.

Risk factors: Age group that comes under the category of 45 and above, people who already have certain health complications, young children, and pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness or complications from both COVID-19 and the flu as well.

Complications: COVID-19 can undoubtedly lead to more severe complications, such as pneumonia, ARDS, multi-organ failure, and blood clots.

Whereas, the flu can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections.

Vaccine: Vaccines are available for both COVID-19 and the flu, but the COVID-19 vaccine has been developed more recently and is still being distributed globally.

Treatment: Treatment for COVID-19 includes supportive care, antiviral drugs, oxygen therapy, steroids, and monoclonal antibodies, while treatment for the flu includes supportive care, antiviral drugs, rest, and fluids.

Prevention measures: Prevention measures for both COVID-19 and the flu are quiet similar- vaccination, wearing masks, social distancing, and hand hygiene. By following all these preventions, you will be able to protect yourself from getting infected.

Conclusion

As studied earlier, Covid-19 and flu share certain symptoms, but they differ in many ways. According to the research Covid- 19 is more infectious and can cause severe illness that can cause long lasting health complications as compared to influenza flu. Even if the vaccine is available for both the diseases, it is still recommended to go for preventions such as wearing masks and social distancing, are still crucial in preventing the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu.