Flu and COVID-19 symptoms may be similar – this is what you need to know.
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If all the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 not enough to track, once we get into the fall season those symptoms could overlap with those of another contagious virus – influenza.
Unfortunately, many flu Symptoms can be very similar to coronavirus, which can be very confusing if you start to get sick. Fortunately, there is already a flu shot. Scientists are working on a vaccine for COVID-19, but it is not likely to be available until early 2021.
As we approach the next flu season in the midst of a pandemic, I consulted Dr. Nate Favini, Forward’s medical leader to help shed some light on what you need to know about both viruses and what to do if you get sick.
“This will be a really challenging flu season because it’s very difficult to tell the difference between COVID-19 and the flu based on symptoms alone. We don’t have a great way to tell the two apart from testing, and as in the past few weeks, our testing capacity for COVID-19 in the United States is currently a disaster, “said Dr. Favini.
Flu tests, on the other hand, are available to most people and provide results quickly. The problem is that if someone is sick and negative for the flu, they still need to know if they have COVID-19. “Rapid influenza tests are widely available, but that will not be enough, because someone who is negative for influenza could have COVID-19 or any other respiratory illness that circulates in the fall and winter,” says Dr. Favini. The CDC also says that it is possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
The FDA recently issued emergency use authorizations to several medical testing companies for a combined diagnostic test that can detect COVID-19 and influenza with a single sample. “With just a swab or sample, combination tests can be used to get responses to Americans more quickly. This efficiency can go a long way in providing timely information to those with an unknown respiratory disease,” said the FDA commissioner. , Dr. Stephen M. Hahn in the press release. However, we don’t know when the combination tests will be available or how widely they will be distributed across the country.
Read on to learn more about the difference between the flu and COVID-19, and the signs and symptoms to look for.
Flu and COVID-19 symptoms
Flu and COVID-19 share many overlapping symptoms, so if you show signs of any of the symptoms listed below, the first thing to do is look for evidence and isolate from others in your home. The CDC has said that COVID-19 is more contagious than flu for certain groups of people, which means it can spread more easily and faster from person to person.
Dr. Favini says that testing each person with flu-like symptoms and COVID-19 is ideal, but not sure if the health system is ready for that scale of testing. “The problem is that the country is not prepared for the increase in COVID-19 cases that every public health expert expects this fall and winter. Unless we change our approach to testing and invest massively in expanding it, it should expect much. time delays in the COVID-19 test results that will be really problematic for people care and public health, “says Favini.
Shared symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu, according to the CDC:
- Fever or feeling of fever. experience chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches.
- Headache
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than in adults.
Wearing a face mask is a simple precaution you can take to prevent COVID-19 and the flu.
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Differences between COVID-19 and the flu
There are several symptoms that vary between COVID-19 and the flu, but it’s important to note first that the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can vary from person to person, so the following symptoms may not necessarily rule out one. virus on each other.
An important difference between COVID-19 and the flu is that people who experience COVID-19 report a change or loss of odors and flavors. But not everyone experiences this symptom with the virus, and it can occur at any time when a person is sick.
Another big difference between COVID-19 and the flu is that you are contagious for a longer period of time if you have COVID-19 than if you have the flu. We also know that it is likely that someone with COVID-19 can transmit the virus even before their symptoms appear, or they may have the virus and shows no symptoms but still spreads it to others.
How to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19
The good news is that many of the practices you are already doing to prevent COVID-19 can also help prevent the flu. “We will all need to duplicate our efforts to protect each other this flu season. Stay at home if you can. Wear a mask every time you leave your house, avoid touching your face, stay six feet away from others, Wash your hands good with soap and water when you get home, “says Dr. Favini.
Also, get the flu shot When available it is important to protect yourself from the flu. While preventing you from getting sick is not safe, it does reduce your chance of becoming infected with the flu, which is still contagious and can cause serious health problems for many people.
See this:
New COVID-19 test performed at home
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The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or health advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.
