September 18, 2020, 4:15 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Fever, cough, fatigue, body aches–feeling very sick all of a sudden. These are the symptoms of the flu–but also of the coronavirus. However, only the latter infection prompts massive containment measures. Why the different approach?
Anyone suffering from fever and fatigue wonders: Is this a cold, the flu, or COVID-19? The World Health Organization (WHO) explains the difference between the two infectious diseases, COVID-19 and the flu–and also where there are similarities.
Similarities Between COVID-19 and the Flu
Both diseases are caused by viruses. The flu by influenza viruses, COVID-19 by the novel coronavirus (specifically named SARS-CoV-2).
The disease patterns are also similar: Both viruses cause respiratory illnesses. However, the course can vary greatly from mild to very severe or even fatal. Both diseases can also be asymptomatic.
Also of interest: The right behavior if you suspect COVID-19
Another similarity between COVID-19 and the flu is the transmission routes. Both viruses are primarily spread through droplets: when an infected person speaks, sneezes, or coughs. You can also catch the viruses through direct contact or via contaminated surfaces like doorknobs, handrails on buses and trains, or other objects.
To protect against infection, the same hygiene measures apply: regular handwashing, disinfectants, and keeping distance from the sick. It is also advisable to limit hugs and handshakes and avoid touching surfaces that many people have touched. FITBOOK has already reported extensively on the limited usefulness of common face masks.
Also of interest: Coronavirus in Germany! What good is a face mask?
Differences Between COVID-19 and the Flu
The first major difference between the two viruses, according to the WHO, is the speed of transmission–the time between infection and the first symptoms, known as the incubation period. People generally catch the flu faster, within about three days. For COVID-19, the WHO cites a period of about five to six days.
Also of interest: When is a COVID-19 test worthwhile and who pays for it?
Furthermore, people with the flu often infect others before showing symptoms. While transmissions of the novel coronavirus 24 to 48 hours before symptoms appear are known, they are rare and, according to the WHO, play little role in further spread.
In contrast, the infection rate for COVID-19 is higher than for the flu. According to the WHO, the new coronavirus is passed on by an infected person to an average of two to two and a half other people, more than with influenza. Some experts even believe a coronavirus-infected person can infect up to three people.
Also of interest: Are you immune if you’ve already had the coronavirus?
The role of children in further spread is estimated by the WHO to be higher for influenza viruses than for COVID-19. According to the WHO, children primarily contract the new coronavirus from adults.
Also of interest: How the flu vaccine works
Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses have a higher risk of influenza virus infection and are more often affected by severe flu courses. For the coronavirus, the WHO does not currently consider pregnant women and children to be at higher risk.