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Throughout the pandemic, there have been opposing views on this issue. So...
Coronavirus, is it “a type of flu” or not?
Coronavirus, is it “a type of flu” or not?
Was it right to assume at start of the pandemic that COVID19 “is like the flu”? It appeared in peak winter, mid influenza season, fuelling inevitable comparisons. Since most frequently reported symptoms of COVID19 overlap with flu, it was described as an ‘influenza-like illness’.
The standard definition of the emerging disease continues to appear surprisingly loose: positive contact, travel history, a cluster of characteristic symptoms: flu-like, cold-like, pneumonia-like.
But there is now enough credible evidence to confirm that COVID19 is NOT the flu.
But there is now enough credible evidence to confirm that COVID19 is NOT the flu.
They are caused by different viruses which show distinct cellular responses, and there are striking differences between the diseases they cause.
Research suggests COVID19 is not just a respiratory illness, as flu is; coronavirus can affect the whole body. https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/12/health/coronavirus-symptoms-blood-clots-inflammation/index.html
Research suggests COVID19 is not just a respiratory illness, as flu is; coronavirus can affect the whole body. https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/12/health/coronavirus-symptoms-blood-clots-inflammation/index.html
Severity of symptoms:
80% of COVID19 cases are characterised as mild to moderate.
However, what’s particularly concerning with COVID19 is the proportion of severely and critically ill individuals. As compared to flu, COVID19 has a higher rate of hospitalisation.
80% of COVID19 cases are characterised as mild to moderate.
However, what’s particularly concerning with COVID19 is the proportion of severely and critically ill individuals. As compared to flu, COVID19 has a higher rate of hospitalisation.
People over 60, and those with pre-existing health conditions — lung disease, heart problems, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems, autoimmune issues, obesity — are more at risk of severe illness, for both COVID19 and flu. https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51703892
Coronavirus can infect organs like the throat, heart, liver, brain, kidneys, the intestines, and not just respiratory system.
Research shows people with severe form of illness caused by COVID19 may become prone to multi-organ failure. https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-damages-other-organs.html
Research shows people with severe form of illness caused by COVID19 may become prone to multi-organ failure. https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-damages-other-organs.html
Transmission:
COVID19 is not the flu. However, the ease with which it spreads between humans suggests that the novel coronavirus does appear to act more ‘like influenza’ than other closely related viruses.
COVID19 and flu are mainly transmitted from person to person, through-
COVID19 is not the flu. However, the ease with which it spreads between humans suggests that the novel coronavirus does appear to act more ‘like influenza’ than other closely related viruses.
COVID19 and flu are mainly transmitted from person to person, through-
droplets in air from infected individuals, often days before symptoms appear. Both are also transmitted via indirect contact with contaminated surfaces.
Treatment:
COVID19 and flu are both mainly treated by addressing symptoms, such as reducing fever, rest and supportive care.
Treatment:
COVID19 and flu are both mainly treated by addressing symptoms, such as reducing fever, rest and supportive care.
Severe cases of both are at high risk of requiring hospitalisation and mechanical ventilation. But which is more dangerous?
An est. 294,000-518,000 people die per year from influenza-associated respiratory infection; 67% are 65 or older.
But coronavirus is much more deadlier.
An est. 294,000-518,000 people die per year from influenza-associated respiratory infection; 67% are 65 or older.
But coronavirus is much more deadlier.
The mortality figures for COVID19 are significantly higher.
According to recent studies, coronavirus has a death rate 6 to 16 times higher than the flu — and in absence of a vaccine or drug, the end is nowhere yet in sight. https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/86504
According to recent studies, coronavirus has a death rate 6 to 16 times higher than the flu — and in absence of a vaccine or drug, the end is nowhere yet in sight. https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/86504
CDC claims comparison of deaths between the two diseases is problematic. Not since there isn’t enough data yet to predict total COVID19 deaths, but because CDC is also unsure of exact number of deaths caused by flu per year, since its not a reportable disease in most parts of US.
Deaths related to flu are strongly linked with access to healthcare in people older than 65. It is suggested that improvement in healthcare in low income countries might substantially reduce COVID19-related deaths.
Prevention:
Another striking similarity coronavirus shares with flu are the measures each person can take to slow spread of infection: avoid shaking hands, hand washing, wearing masks, social distancing, etc.
Another striking similarity coronavirus shares with flu are the measures each person can take to slow spread of infection: avoid shaking hands, hand washing, wearing masks, social distancing, etc.
Due to lack of information regarding the novel virus during the early stages, coronavirus may have been confused as “flu-like”. But in light of evidence available now, public officials must stop drawing comparisons in an attempt to downplay seriousness of the unfolding pandemic.
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