Difference Between Flu and Coronavirus

With the continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, more discoveries are being made about the virus. One of such is its similarity (and difference) to flu or influenza. They both cause respiratory problems, however, they also possess quite a number of differences including their mode of spread.

They have a few similarities, including the disease presentation of influenza and COVID-19. They are both respiratory diseases that can range from being mild to severe, leading to death. COVID-19 and influenza can be transmitted through droplets and by contact. This is why the same health measures such as the washing of hands and proper respiratory habits which include using a tissue to cough or sneeze and disposing it immediately, or using the bend of your elbow, are very important to prevent spread.

Differences

• Speed of transmission: Based on the incubation period, influenza has a shorter median time meaning the time between infection to the appearance of symptoms. It also has a shorter time between cases than coronavirus (also referred to as its serial interval). The serial interval for influenza is 3 days, while that of COVID-19 is 5/6 days. Due to this, influenza spreads faster than COVID-19. In addition, the first 3–5 days of having influenza before symptoms begin to show is a major driver of transmission. Based on observations, COVID-19 transmission has no such driver.
• Number of reproductions: Secondary infections are also possible and it has been noted that the number of secondary infections from one infected COVID-19 individual is about 2 to 2.5 times higher than influenza.
• Symptoms severity: Even though the symptoms for influenza and COVID-19 are similar, their severity is quite different. Reports of COVID-19 data currently suggest that 80% of the infections are mild or asymptomatic, while 15% are severe often requiring oxygen, and 5% are critical, requiring ventilation. Those with the most risk of influenza infection are pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions. Those with the most risk of COVID-19 infection are the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.

There are vaccines available for influenza that are given each year to help curb the spread of the disease. You can read our article on preparing for the flu season here. Unfortunately, there is currently no known vaccine or cure for the COVID-19 virus.