Flu vs COVID. COVID-19 and influenza (flu) are both contagious respiratory illnesses. Although they share some similar symptoms, they are caused by a different virus. Both viruses spread from person-to-person who are in close contact with one another. They are mainly spread by respiratory droplets or by touching a surface with virus contact.
However, COVID-19 has been observed to have more super-spreading events than the flu. It is important to know the difference between both illnesses to better protect ourselves.
Flu vs Covid-19:
| COVID-19 | Influenza Flu | |
| Aetiology agent | Caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-Cov-2 | Influenza A and B virus |
| Signs and Symptoms | Fever and chills Sore throat Dry cough Nasal congestion Muscle/body aches Headaches Diarrhoea nausea or vomiting New loss of taste/smell Shortness of breath, chest tightness May have low oxygen without symptoms | Fever and chills Sore throat Cough Nasal congestion Muscle/body aches Headaches Less likely to have diarrhoea or vomiting (except children) Usually no loss of taste Less likely to have breathing problems except complicated with pneumonia |
| Onset of illness | Gradual – 2-14 days after exposure | Usually more rapid – 1-4 days after exposure |
| Contagiousness | Highly contagious – for 10 days or longer, can be contagious while no symptoms | Highly contagious – usually for 5-7 days |
| High-risk group | Older adults Individuals with underlying medical conditions Pregnant individual | Younger children Older adults Individuals with underlying medical conditions Pregnant individual |
| Complication | Pneumonia Respiratory failure Acute respiratory distress syndrome Sepsis Cardiac injury Multi-organ failure Worsening of medical conditions Heart, brain or muscle tissue inflammation Secondary bacterial infections Blood clots in the veins and arteries of the lungs, heart, legs or brain Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children (COVID-19 is more likely to result in hospitalization and death, especially in high-risk groups) | Pneumonia Respiratory failure Acute respiratory distress syndrome Sepsis Cardiac injury Multi-organ failure Worsening medical conditions Heart, brain or muscle tissue inflammation Secondary bacterial infections (More children have a severe illness with flu than with COVID-19) |
3 Fast Take Aways for protection against these two viruses
1. [KNOW!] Understanding the gravity of the risk of them both!
Patients with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus co-infection were around twice as likely to die than people with SARS-CoV-2 alone.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33942104/
2. [PROTECT!] Protect yourself with vaccines, testing and precautionary measures
Vaccines for COVID-19 and flu are approved by the FDA and can be used to provide protection against these infections, as they are easily spread by asymptomatic individuals or with mild symptoms. The most effective way to protect ourselves from both flu and COVID-19 is to be vaccinated with both vaccines, according to the WHO. Precautionary measures of social distancing, wearing a face mask and hand hygiene can help us stay healthy and reduce the chance of getting Covid-19 and flu. Do not give up on your health tips even though they may seem redundant to you. It’s better to be safe than sorry if you don’t throw caution to the wind.
To confirm the diagnosis and determine which viral infections are, testing needs to be done. It is possible to have both the flu and Covid-19 virus at the same time, with symptoms of both illnesses. Many rapid test kits are available nationwide and can be purchased at the pharmacy.
3. [SCREEN!] How CLEADOC can assist in eventually overcoming Covid-19 Endemic
As we journey through the Covid-19 Endemic, we’re going to be introducing Virtual CLEADOC Screening. Covid-19 Self Screening has been made virtual, cosy and efficient. You are good to go if you have only one RTK Antigen Kit with CLEADOC.
The performance of Doctors Verified RTK Antigen Test can be accomplished anytime, anywhere with the introduction of Virtual CLEADOC Screening. It is possible to reactivate the economy and eliminate social stress with the help of the CLEA. Our team is trying to protect human lives against infectious viral diseases. The Virtual CLEADOC Screening (VCS) is a brand new endemic self-screening culture, guided by our mobile app interface, in which the entire process is curated and verified by registered Doctors/ Medical Professionals.
Bye! Cross Infection!
Reduces chances of cross infections during physical screening for Doctors and Users.
Free & Easy Self-Screening!
Covid-19 RTK Antigen Self Test no longer bound to geographical constraints.
Affordable to all!
By implementing sharing economy models, we are cost-efficient for Doctors and Users.
No Geographical Constraints
Covid-19 Screenings are no longer bound to geographical constraints.
Humongous Screening Capacity for the Nation!
Speed up the country’s collective screening speed by leveraging on sharing economy.
Real Doctors! Real Verifications!
As an app created by Doctors, we will attend to everyone, up close and personally!
