We are almost in the winter season, or also known to some people as the influenza season. With the COVID-19 pandemic still around, most people have been struggling with differentiating between the two diseases. While the flu and the coronavirus both have widely similar symptoms and characteristics, there are a few key differences you must know to protect you and your family during this critical time.
They are Caused by Different Viruses
The first important thing to know about both illnesses is that they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a virus called SARS-COV-2 and the flu is caused by an influenza-related infection. While both diseases have similar symptoms such as fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, both have these different causes we should know about.
One has a Vaccine, other doesn’t
The obvious characteristic that distinguishes the two is the vaccine. As we all know, experts in the medical industry are still working on a vaccine for COVID-19. There have been some test trials of different vaccinations, but not an official approval yet. It’s possible we won’t see an approved vaccine till sometime next year. But until then, we must do all we can to continue to follow the protocol to lower our risk.
They Spread in Somewhat Different Ways
While both diseases are said to spread in similar ways, COVID-19 has become known for being more contagious amongst certain populations and age groups than the flu. As we have seen in the news today, it has more super spreading events than the flu. The flu has a vaccine and more approved treatments that keep it from being as fast of a spreading disease as COVID-19.
The Timeline of Symptoms Appearing Differ
For both illnesses, one or more days could pass between a person becoming infected and when they start experiencing symptoms. However, if a person has the coronavirus, it could take them longer to start experiencing symptoms. While it typically takes a person 1 to 4 days to experience symptoms of the flu, the amount of days could vary for COVID-19. A person starts developing symptoms five days after being infected. But it could take as early as two days or as late as 14 days for symptoms to start appearing.
Those are just four of the differences to know between COVID-19 and the flu. There are other distinguishing factors between the two that you and your family can learn about. For more information on this, check out the CDC website. Stay safe and like or share this post with someone you know.
