It can be difficult to tell the difference between Flu and COVID-19, as they both cause respiratory illness. However, there are some key differences. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, while COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-21. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, and sneezing. COVID-19 symptoms can also include these, as well as loss of smell and taste.
The flu is usually spread through droplets when people talk, cough, or sneeze. It can also be spread through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. In contrast, COVID-19 is primarily spread through particle transmission – meaning it stays in the air for longer and can be inhaled. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Outbreaks of flu usually happen in the winter, while COVID-19 outbreaks can happen at any time of year. Transmission of flu is typically higher in crowded places, such as schools and offices. However, transmission of COVID-19 can occur even when people are not in close proximity to each other. This is because some people with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or presymptomatic meaning they have the virus but do not yet have symptoms.
Can both the Flu and Covid-19 be asymptomatic or presymptomatic?
Yes, a person who has been infected with Covid-19 or the Flu or both can be asymptomatic or presymptomatic. It’s important to know the difference between asymptomatic and presymptomatic cases of Covid/flu, as well as the different severity levels of each. Here’s a quick guide:
-Asymptomatic cases are when someone tests positive for the virus but has no symptoms.
-Presymptomatic cases are when someone starts showing symptoms but hasn’t yet been diagnosed with the virus.
-In both asymptomatic and presymptomatic cases, the infected person can still spread the virus to others.
-Symptoms of Covid/flu can range from mild (cough, sore throat) to severe (pneumonia, difficulty breathing). Some people may never develop symptoms at all.
-There is no one-size-fits-all test for asymptomatic or presymptomatic cases of Covid/flu.
-The best way to prevent transmission of Covid/flu is to practice good hygiene (wash your hands, wear a mask) and stay home if you’re sick.
Which respiratory illness is more severe?
The flu and COVID-19 may seem similar because they are both caused by viruses and can cause respiratory illness. However, there are some important differences between the two.
The influenza virus is a common virus that causes respiratory illness. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a new virus that has not been seen before and causes the disease COVID-19. COVID-19 can be more severe than the flu. Some people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have had severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and have required hospitalization or even a ventilator to help them breathe. The mortality rate for COVID-19 is also higher than it is for the flu, meaning that more people who get COVID-19 have died from the illness than from the flu.
According to the CDC, the overall hospitalization rate for COVID-19 in the United States is about double that of influenza. And when it comes to ventilator use and death rates associated with these viruses, once again, we see that they are higher for COVID-19 than influenza.
These severe symptoms are one of the many reasons why it’s so important to get a flu vaccine every year. The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a flu vaccine by the end of October if possible. However, getting vaccinated later is still better than not getting vaccinated at all. So even if you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, it’s not too late! Just be sure to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or visit a pharmacy as soon as possible. Flu season in the United States typically runs from October through May, with peak activity usually occurring between December and February. However, we’ve already seen reports of influenza activity in some parts of the country this month. This just goes to show how important it is to get a flu vaccine as early as possible.
Who is most at risk of getting infected with either Covid or the Flu?
Individuals with weaker immune systems will be at a higher risk of getting infected with either virus. Thus, older people, children, individuals with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women are most at risk of exposure. These people are also more vulnerable towards becoming severely ill with Covid-19 or the Flu or both which means there is a higher possibility of hospitalization and need for ventilators. Which is why it is so important for these people to get vaccinated for both Covid and Flu, in addition to getting tested for Covid/flu on a regular basis. Because the best way to prevent hospitalization and severe infection is vaccination and early treatment.
How can you tell which virus you’re infected with?
There is only one certain way to figure out whether you are infected with Covid-19 or Influenza. That is to get tested for both illnesses. Keep in mind that while it is possible to get infected with both simultaneously, flurona is quite rare. Premium Health has an easy way to help you get tested for both Covid-19 and the Flu. We are now providing patients with Covid/Flu testing that will not only test for Covid-19 but it will also test for Type A and Type B Influenza. The best part is that all these tests only require one swab sample so patients would only need to get swabbed once instead of getting a separate swab for each test.
So, what are some key things to remember about the differences between these two viruses? Severe symptoms are more common with COVID-19 than influenza, hospitalization rates are higher for COVID-19, and mortality rates are also higher for COVID-19. Getting a flu vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself from both viruses, so be sure to get yours today!
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Premium Health offers Covid/Flu testing at all testing sites. Visit our website to schedule your testing appointment at the nearest Premium Health testing site to you.
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