Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses that can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes death.  However, there are certain differences between the two, for example, they are caused by different viruses.  Influenza is caused by infection with seasonal influenza viruses, and COVID-19 is caused by infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, some of the symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 are similar, necessitating a screening test to help confirm the disease diagnosis.

 

Influenza Symptoms

Appear 1-4 days after infection.

  • *Fever/feeling feverish (chills)
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Cough
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headaches
  • Vomits and diarrhea
*Not all people with influenza will have a fever or symptoms (asymptomatic).

COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure.

  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Muscle or body aches
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Congesting or runny nose
  • Diarrhea

There are people positive COVID-19 and who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic).  This list does not include all possible symptoms, CDC keeps updating as they learn more about COVID-19.

 

Duration of Symptoms

Influenza

Without complications, they usually disappear after 3-7 days in most cases.  The cough and discomfort remain more than 2 weeks.

COVID-19

Novel virus, it is still being investigated how long a person can have symptoms.

 

Transmission

Influenza

From a person to person, through the droplets that go through the air and are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

COVID-19

  • From person to person, through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
  • By touching a surface or object that has the virus on it.

 

Incubation

Influenza

From 1 day before presenting symptoms.

COVID-19

From 2 days before presenting symptoms to 10 days after the first appearance of these, the same in asymptomatic people.

 

Prevention

Influenza

  • Get vaccinated every season.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Frequent hand washing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
  • Be alert for symptoms.

COVID-19

  • Avoid close contact, maintain more than 6 feet between yourself and people.
  • Wear a mask
  • Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover cough and sneezes.
  • Frequent hand washing.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
  • Be alert for symptoms.

 

 

By: Tania Mangual-Monzón, MS, BHE

Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention