How to differentiate between influenza and COVID-19?

us We’re in the middle of flu season, but COVID-19 cases are also frequent. Two viral infections, They are spread in very similar ways and share many symptoms. Can they be distinguished? Please note the similarities and differences between the flu and Covid-19.

How do I know if it’s COVID-19, the flu, or a cold?

How do I know if I have the flu or Covid-19…or if I have a common cold or just allergies? It’s not always easy to tell them apart.In most cases, only testing will determine what type of process it is, but there are some differences that might lead us to think We are faced with one of them.

Symptoms are very similar

Both influenza and covid-19 can occur Fever, cough, shortness of breathfatigue, muscle pain, headache and diarrhea.

In both cases, these symptoms can show different intensities.

The only way to determine what infection we are dealing with, if necessary, is to test.Remember, rapid self-diagnostic tests can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription, though They have some limitations.

What is the difference between a cold and the new coronavirus?

cold Commonly caused by various viruses (includes some families of coronaviruses, although not the same ones that cause covid-19) and causes for various symptoms.

Typically, these symptoms are usually limited to the upper respiratory tract: nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat.No Usually presents with fever (in some cases more than a few tenths), and also does not exist Marked muscle pain.

However, covid-19 can also present with the following symptoms: Completely sure we We find it impossible to catch the common cold.

Just sneezing and running, no fever?Maybe rhinitis

not all conditions The upper respiratory tract is caused by a virus. Some people experience symptoms such as repeated sneezing, a lot of runny nose (less intense than a cold), itchy eyes and roof of the mouth, but no fever.

In this case, we may not be facing an infectious disease, but allergic rhinitis.Another typical allergy fact is suddenly appearedoften outdoors (especially if the trigger is pollen, in which case it may improve by staying indoors) and responds well to antihistamine treatment.

Check your symptoms: a lot They are typical of different diseases.

Key to distinguishing between influenza and COVID-19

There are many similarities, but there are also elements that give us clues.

Loss of smell and taste?Coronavirus

a symptom Considered typical of covid-19 But it’s not characteristic of the flu Significant loss of smell and taste. In the current situation, if such symptoms occur, we may be dealing with a case of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

incubation period

The incubation period (the number of days that elapses between the time of infection and the onset of symptoms) is another factor to consider:

– In the case of influenza, the incubation period is shorter than that of covid-19: One to four days.
– COVID-19 has a long incubation period: Symptoms usually appear after five days (Even up to 14 days).

Complications and evolution of the disease

besides some differences As for Possible complications.

pneumoniarespiratory failure, exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, or bacterial superinfection are complications of both covid-19 like flu.

The formation of blood clots or the appearance of skin lesions are more typical complications of covid-19, although they are uncommon and usually occur in People who have been diagnosed.

Children’s case

Another significant difference is How influenza and COVID-19 affect the child population.

Covid-19 rarely causes serious infection in children. In the case of the flu, they are at greater risk.But that doesn’t mean kids shouldn’t take appropriate precautions (physical distancing, hygiene, use of masks when interacting with vulnerable populations) as they can serve as Spread the infection to other family members.

In infants and children under two years of age, another factor to consider is the possibility of bronchiolitis, This is usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus.

(VRS). Its first symptoms may be very similar to other upper respiratory tract infections (stuffy nose, mucus, cough), but in this case we must pay attention to the development of respiratory sounds, such as the well-known wheezing or “whistling” (a high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a whistle) and rapid breathing.

Scream or coronavirus: Beware the most vulnerable

Despite all of the above, the fact is that when an upper respiratory tract infection is suspected, especially if we think it might be the flu or COVID-19, the steps to take should be very similar: minimize as much as possible our social interactions, especially with More vulnerable people, use a mask if possible and keep one Proper hand hygiene.