COVID-19 Vs FLU
S.NO. | Areas of Difference | COVID-19 | FLU |
1 | Virus | Caused by SARS COVID-2 | Caused by infection with influenza viruses |
2 | Speed of transmission | Comparatively longer | The time taken for the appearance of symptom after the infection is shorter. |
The serial interval for COVID-19 virus is estimated to be 5-6 days | And also the time between successive cases is shorter. The serial interval for influenza virus is 3 days | ||
Spread slower than Flu. | Influenza can spread faster than COVID-19. | ||
3 | Severity of disease | Older age and people with low immunity increase the risk of severe infection. | The riskiest are Children, Pregnant women, Elderly, People with underlying chronic medical conditions and People who are immunosuppressed. |
Can cause more severe illness than Flu | Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness | ||
4 | Availability of Vaccines | There is no licenced vaccine yet. Vaccines are still under development. | Antivirals and vaccines are available for influenza. |
Both viruses cause respiratory disease, though there are important differences between the two viruses and how they spread.
Here are some similarities between COVID-19 and Flu:
- They both cause respiratory disease that leads to a wide range of illness from asymptomatic or mild through to severe disease and death.
- Common symptoms of COVID-19 and flu include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- Both the viruses are transmitted by contact and droplets.
- Hand hygiene and proper respiratory etiquette are preventive measures
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