The difference between COVID-19 and Influenza

October 22, 2020
1:30 PM

As one of the leading healthcare providers in our community, we would like to address some of the misinformation regarding COVID-19 vs. Influenza. We understand that filtering through the plethora of information can be overwhelming. At Tri-State Memorial Hospital we would like to continue to be a resource for our community regarding COVID-19.

Is COVID-19 just like the flu?
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both viral infections and can be easily spread to others. Although the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can look similar – fever, cough, fatigue, body aches – they are caused by different viruses.

COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Those with the flu typically feel sickest during the first week of illness. With COVID-19, people may feel the worst during the second or third week, and they may be sick for a longer period of time.
Both the flu and COVID-19 spread through droplets from the nose and mouth.

INFLUENZA

What are the symptoms?
- Often, symptoms are fever, cough, aches and pains, and headaches.
- Sometimes, symptoms are fatigue, stuffy/runny nose, diarrhea (children), shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
When do symptoms appear?
1-4 days after infection.
How long are you contagious?
1 day before symptoms appear and up to 7 days after.
How does it spread?
Person-to-Person
How can I prevent illness?
A flu shot can help protect you and your family from most strains of the flu. Social distancing, wearing a mask, and frequent hand washing can also help with prevention of the flu.
What are the complications for this illness?
Flu can turn into pneumonia and can be fatal in severe cases.
What about recovery and treatment?
Recovery can last 2-14 days. Rest, fever reducers, and antiviral medicines can reduce the amount of time you have the flu and help prevent complications.

COVID-19

What are the symptoms?
- Often, symptoms are fever, cough, aches and pains, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Somtimes, symptoms are headaches, fatigue, stuffy/runny nose, loss of taste/smell, sore throat, diarrhea.
When do symptoms appear?
2-14 days after infection
How long are you contagious?
2 days before symptoms appear and up to 10 days after
How does it spread?
Person-to-Person
How can I prevent illness?
Social distancing, wearing a mask, and frequent hand washing are some ways to protect against COVID-19.
What are the complications for this illness?
COVID-19 can result in pneumonia, respiratory failure, sepsis, lasting damage to kidneys, lungs, heart, or brain, and in some cases can be fatal.
What about recovery and treatment?
Recovery can last up to 2 weeks in mild cases and up to 6 weeks in severe cases. Rest, fever reducers, and cough medicine can help in mild cases; in severe cases you may need to be hospitalized.