The Similarities and Differences Between COVID-19 and the Flu

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By Yhordan Serpentini | October 5, 2022

With the emergence of the second Flu season since the COVID pandemic lockdowns, it may be a little concerning to the public with questions related to the difficulty of determining if you are sick with the Influenza virus, or with the Coronavirus. 

In this blog, we will be discussing, as well as comparing and contrasting, the most common symptoms for both viruses, as well as some of the exclusive symptoms, to help you better understand the difference between the two. 

You should note that even if you show signs of multiple symptoms of either disease, you should get tested and treated as soon as possible. Here are the similarities and differences between COVID-19 and the Flu.

The similarities and differences between COVID-19 and the Flu

1. Contagiousness

The Influenza (Flu) Virus and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) are both highly contagious respiratory diseases that are contracted through the respiratory system, such as the mouth and nose/sinuses; however, what most don’t know is that there are additional ways of spreading the virus if your eyes and ears. Your respiratory system isn’t strictly just your mouth and nose, as basic nasal functions influence your eyes, ears, sinuses, and lungs.

Contagiousness is very important for you to be aware of. As of conducted studies and medical statistics from the last two years, medical experts determined that the Coronavirus is far easier to spread than the Influenza virus. Masks will only protect the individuals who are EXPOSED to you, not YOURSELF. In order to protect yourself from contracting either virus, keep a distance of six feet or more, and ensure that anyone in close proximity to you has a mask on.

Additionally, our eyes are lined by exposed mucous membranes, which are covered in a thick protective layer of fluid. That fluid travels through the nasolacrimal apparatus when we cry, which is the drainage system that carries our tears from the ocular surface down to our nose and sinuses—which is why usually have a runny nose when crying. If your eyes are unprotected and come into contact with either COVID or the Flu, you risk contracting the virus and/or spreading it to others.

2. Symptoms

Both viruses can have varying degrees of symptoms. It is very much possible to contract either virus and experience no signs of any symptoms–known as asymptomatic–or show signs of severe symptoms.

For the Influenza virus, symptoms usually appear suddenly upon exposure–anywhere from 1-4 days after infection–and they typically range from mild to severe. According to the CDC, the following are some of the possible symptoms of contracting the Flu:

  • fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • vomiting and diarrhea (common in children)

For COVID-19, there is a wide range of mild and severe symptoms–they can appear anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure. According to the CDC, the following are some of the possible symptoms of contracting the Coronavirus:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Shared symptoms that are interchangeable with both viruses include the following:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/having chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (frequent in children with flu; can occur at any age with COVID)
  • Change in or loss of taste and/or smell (frequent with COVID-19; can occur with Influenza)

3. Severity

The severity of both viruses is not to be underestimated. Although for the large majority of the population, both viruses may be mild or severe without being life-threatening, they can still pose a major threat if exposed to high-risk personnel. 

For the Influenza virus, most people that are exposed to, or infected with, the flu will recover within a few days to less than two weeks. During the first four days, infected individuals are at the highest risk of spreading or infecting the virus onto others, though on some occasions they may remain contagious for a slightly longer period.

Those with weaker immune systems, such as children, infants, the elderly, or other individuals with medical additional issues, have an easier chance of contracting both the Flu and COVID-19; both viruses can typically be deadly to said demographic.

Some of the following are emergency warning signs of complications caused by the Influenza virus, provided by the CDC, that should be treated urgently:

Within Children:

  • Fast breathing, trouble breathing, or hyperventilation
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Ribs pulling in with each breath
  • Chest pain
  • Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
  • Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours; dry mouth; no tears when crying)
  • Not interacting when awake
  • Seizures
  • Fever above 104°F
  • Any fever found in children younger than 12 weeks
  • Fever or cough that return or worsen
  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions

Within Adults:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse
  • Seizures
  • Not urinating
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Severe weakness or unsteadiness
  • Fever or cough that  returns or worsens
  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions

Some of the following are emergency warning signs of complications caused by the Coronavirus, provided by the CDC, that should be urgently treated:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake up or remain awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds (depends on skin tone)

Both viruses can cause death given the severity of the implications they cause. Early in the pandemic’s timetable, experts estimated COVID-19 to be 10 times more lethal than the Influenza virus. If you are vaccinated with both of the viruses’ vaccines, then the risk of severe illness significantly decreases.

References:

Rapid Bio Blogs:

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