The Differences Between Flu and COVID-19

Reading Time: 2 min

At a glance, it can be easy to confuse the flu and COVID-19. After all, they’re both respiratory illnesses, they’re both contagious, and they’re both viral infections. However, despite these similarities, they also have numerous differences and can affect people in very different ways.In this blog, our team at All Day Medical Care Clinic offers these insights into COVID-19 and what sets it apart from the flu.

The similarities between COVID-19 and the flu

COVID-19 and the flu share many symptoms, including the following:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting, especially in children
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Both of these viruses also spread through respiratory droplets. This can occur from inhaling droplets from an infected person or by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Both of these infections can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, organ failure, heart attack, and even death.

While COVID-19 and the flu share several characteristics, they also have numerous differences.

That’s because very different viruses cause each of these infections.

The differences between COVID-19 and the flu

COVID-19 is caused by a new strain of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, whereas the flu is caused by influenza viruses. These viruses move from person to person the same way, and you can spread both without having symptoms. However, COVID-19 appears to spread quicker and be more contagious than the flu. Here are some other differences:

Onset of symptoms

When exposed to the flu, symptoms usually develop within 1-4 days. However, COVID-19 symptoms can arise 2-14 days after exposure, though they typically set in by day five. It’s also common for people with COVID-19 to experience changes in their smell and taste.

Risk of complications

COVID-19 infections also come with increased risks of severe illness, such as lung injury. Unfortunately, that means higher mortality rates. Between January 2020 and early March 2021, approximately 525,035 Americans died of COVID-19. For comparison, the World Health Organization estimates that between 290,000 and 650,000 people die of flu-related illnesses worldwide each year.

Treatment

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved prescription antiviral drugs to help manage flu symptoms, treatments for COVID-19 are still evolving. The antiviral agent remdesivir received approval under Emergency Use Authorization, but the FDA hasn’t approved any drugs or therapies to treat COVID-19.

Vaccines

The flu and COVID-19 also require different vaccines, and getting one vaccination won’t protect you from both infections. Your annual flu vaccine also doesn’t guarantee protection against contracting influenza, but it reduces your risk for infection and serious complications.

The FDA has given emergency use authorization for three COVID-19 vaccinations. Like the flu vaccine, they can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or help keep you from developing dangerous health complications.

Reaching a diagnosis

The only way to know for sure if you have COVID-19 is through testing. If you have symptoms, think you were exposed, or have a trip planned, contact our office to learn more about our screening options.

Testing for COVID-19 is quick and simple. Depending on the screening you need, you can have results within 15 minutes or 2-4 days.

To learn more about COVID-19, book an appointment online or over the phone with All Day Medical Care Clinic today.

All Day Medical Care Clinic Team

Autor

All Day Medical Care Clinic Team

This article was prepared with the All Day Medical Care Clinic Team and its experienced clinic providers, ensuring accurate and reliable health information.

Strengthen Your Relationship with Couples Counseling

Strengthen Your Relationship with Couples Counseling

What to Expect During Your First Well-Woman Exam

What to Expect During Your First Well-Woman Exam

How Often Should I Get a Physical?

How Often Should I Get a Physical?

How To Deal With Pet Allergies: Tips and Tricks

How To Deal With Pet Allergies: Tips and Tricks

Erectile Dysfunction – Everything You Need to Know

Erectile Dysfunction – Everything You Need to Know

Depression and Sleep Problems: How Are They Connected?

Depression and Sleep Problems: How Are They Connected?

Diet and Mental Health: How Nutrition Shapes Your Well-Being

Diet and Mental Health: How Nutrition Shapes Your Well-Being

Getting Help for Your Anger Issues

Getting Help for Your Anger Issues

Noncardiac Chest Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments 

Noncardiac Chest Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments 

Importance of Mental Health Awareness for Healthcare Workers

Importance of Mental Health Awareness for Healthcare Workers

How to Know if You Have an Urgent Care Need

How to Know if You Have an Urgent Care Need

Overcoming Trauma: Finding Light in the Darkness

Overcoming Trauma: Finding Light in the Darkness

What is Common Cold?

What is Common Cold?

Effective Heat Rash Treatment and Prevention

Effective Heat Rash Treatment and Prevention

12 Common Illnesses that Peak in the Fall 

12 Common Illnesses that Peak in the Fall 

Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression

Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression

How Mental Health Issues Affect Men Differently

How Mental Health Issues Affect Men Differently

Understanding Anxiety: What Is It?

Understanding Anxiety: What Is It?

Five Reasons Why You Should Get an Annual Check-Up

Five Reasons Why You Should Get an Annual Check-Up

Can Therapy Save My Marriage?

Can Therapy Save My Marriage?

Sore Throat vs Strep Symptoms: How To Tell The Difference

Sore Throat vs Strep Symptoms: How To Tell The Difference

STD Awareness: Popular Questions, Advice, Treatments

STD Awareness: Popular Questions, Advice, Treatments

9 Tips to Live a Healthy Lifestyle – And Why It’s Important

9 Tips to Live a Healthy Lifestyle – And Why It’s Important

Heart Health Screenings: Everything You Need to Know

Heart Health Screenings: Everything You Need to Know

The Importance of Self-Care In Managing Stress

The Importance of Self-Care In Managing Stress

Why Relationships Are Key to Well-Being

Why Relationships Are Key to Well-Being

Can You Get Sick From The Flu Shot?

Can You Get Sick From The Flu Shot?

Introduction to Stress and Its Impact on Health

Introduction to Stress and Its Impact on Health

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health, Anxiety, and Depression

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health, Anxiety, and Depression

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Home-Based Child Behavioral Disorder Help

Home-Based Child Behavioral Disorder Help

What is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

What is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Understanding Your Options for Mental Health Treatment

Understanding Your Options for Mental Health Treatment

Mastering ADHD: Strategies for Adults in Daily Life

Mastering ADHD: Strategies for Adults in Daily Life

Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment for All Disorders

Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment for All Disorders

Keeping Your Holiday and Winter Cheer Bright

Keeping Your Holiday and Winter Cheer Bright

Are Your Immunizations Up-to-Date?

Are Your Immunizations Up-to-Date?

How Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease

How Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease

What Is the Difference Between Behavioral Health and Mental Health?

What Is the Difference Between Behavioral Health and Mental Health?

I Feel Constant Frustration: Can Anger Management Help?

I Feel Constant Frustration: Can Anger Management Help?

15 Ways to Keep Your Brain Young and Healthy

15 Ways to Keep Your Brain Young and Healthy

Top 10 Tips to Manage Blood Pressure & Prevent Hypertension

Top 10 Tips to Manage Blood Pressure & Prevent Hypertension

Essential Screenings for Women’s Health Exams

Essential Screenings for Women’s Health Exams

Work Injury? Get Evaluated and Plan Your Recovery

Work Injury? Get Evaluated and Plan Your Recovery

5 Signs Your Anxiety is Problematic

5 Signs Your Anxiety is Problematic

The Importance of Back-to-School Health Checks for Kids

The Importance of Back-to-School Health Checks for Kids

How to Cope with Chronic Illness During the Holiday Season

How to Cope with Chronic Illness During the Holiday Season

The Importance of Well-Baby Care

The Importance of Well-Baby Care

Your Complete Guide to Men’s Health Screenings by Ages

Your Complete Guide to Men’s Health Screenings by Ages

What to Know When Heart Disease Runs in Your Family

What to Know When Heart Disease Runs in Your Family

This will close in 0 seconds

We'll text you

Enter your info and we’ll text you shortly.

By clicking Send, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and I consent to receiving text messages from this practice acknowledging that data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.