When it comes to the Flu and COVID-19, they are both contagious respiratory illnesses. The Flu comes from influenza viruses while COVID-19 comes from the SARS-Cov-2 Coronavirus.
Both cause symptoms ranging from fever, sore throat, chills, cough, fatigue, headaches, aches, diarrhea, and vomiting. They both also can result in severe illness for high-risk groups like older people, people with preexisting conditions, and pregnant women.
That being said, both viruses have key differences in how they affect the host bodies and spread. Knowing these key differences listed below will help inform you of how they behave and how you can stay safe.
Is The Loss Of Taste Or Smell Present In Flu Or COVID?
When it comes to the loss of taste or smell in the Flu virus as a symptom, it is rare. As for COVID-19, it has been reported as a symptom that is different from the flu. When it comes to telling which virus you may have, this is something to pay close attention to.
How Long Do Symptoms Appear After Exposure Or Infection?
As for the time it takes to get infected, it typically takes a day or so for both the Flu and COVID-19. When it comes to actually come down with symptoms, this is where the viruses differ.
People with the Flu will experience symptoms within 1-4 days. As for COVID-19, people experience symptoms anywhere from 1-14 days with the median incubation period being 5.1 days.
How Does Each Of The Viruses Spread?
Both the Flu and COVID-19 are spread via person-to-person contact via respiratory droplets that enter via your mouth or nose. That occurs when someone coughs or sneezes in your direction. It can also be spread by touching contaminated objects and then touching your mouth or nose.
As the CDC has stated, people can transmit either virus to others who are 6 feet away. That is why people should practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from others.
As far as differences in how each virus spreads, the transmission of the flu virus from children to adults is common. On the other hand, the COVID-19 virus is more common to be transmitted from adults to children.
What Complications Can They Bring?
Both viruses can bring serious complications like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure, and brain or muscle tissue inflammation.
COVID-19 does bring additional complications that the Flu doesn’t. COVID-19 can bring blood clots in the veins and arteries of the lungs, heart, legs, and brain. In children, it can cause Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C).
Emergency warning signs to look for and seek immediate urgent care are:
- Bluish lips or face
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Crushing pain or pressure in the chest
- Inability to stay awake or wake up
Prevention Is Key
With there being no COVID-19 vaccine currently available, it is crucial to follow these tips in order to protect you and others. In addition to social distancing, the best ways to prevent the spread is:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid touching your face or nose
- Avoid crowds and gatherings, especially large-scale ones
- Wear your mask or face-covering
- Stay at home if not feeling well
Taking these steps will go a long way in helping to keep not only COVID-19 in check but also the Flu and Cold. You will be doing yourself a favor as well as for others in being smart and safe during this pandemic.