What's the Difference Between Flu and Covid-19?

The arrival of the autumn-winter months has led to an increase in flu cases in addition to COVID-19 cases. Stating that today many people's minds go to COVID-19 in the slightest cough or fatigue, Anadolu Medical Center Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “Although the symptoms of COVID-19 disease caused by Coronavirus are very similar to flu symptoms, there are some important differences.

Common symptoms of both viruses are fever, cough, shortness of breath, weakness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, joint pains, and headache. Unlike the flu, COVID-19 can also have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of smell and taste, impaired concentration and confusion. When these symptoms are seen, it is important to clarify whether you have the flu or COVID-19 by contacting a healthcare facility and having a test. "If you have severe complaints such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and severe headache, you should apply to the emergency department of a hospital immediately."

Flu is usually caused by the transmission of Influenza A and Influenza B viruses. Emphasizing that these viruses can cause epidemics especially in winter months, Anadolu Medical Center Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “It is possible to protect from flu epidemics with the flu vaccine. However, there is no vaccine developed against COVID-19 yet. "Vaccination studies continue all over the world to protect against COVID-19."

Both viruses are transmitted by droplets

Underlining that flu viruses are transmitted from person to person like Coronavirus, that is, through droplets. Dr. "These droplets can be transmitted by sneezing, coughing, blowing, or even speech, by droplets coming out of people's mouth and nose," said Elif Hakko. If these droplets are inhaled by another person or if they touch a dirty surface with a virus and touch the mouth, nose or eyes, the virus can be transmitted to that person ”.

Possible to get flu and COVID19 at the same time

Reminding that both viruses can be transmitted without causing any symptoms, Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “If you are carrying any of these viruses, you can infect other people even if you do not have any symptoms. However, research shows that COVID-19 is transmitted much more easily than flu viruses. In other words, a person in a crowded environment and carrying Coronavirus can infect many people in that environment. Although it is a rare case, it is possible to catch both flu and Coronavirus at the same time.

Pay attention to symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and vomiting

Stating that both COVID-19 and flu viruses can cause mild diseases as well as serious health problems, Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “Common symptoms of both viruses are fever, cough, shortness of breath, weakness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, joint pain and headache. Unlike the COVID-19 flu, it may also show symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In some COVID-19 patients, loss of smell and taste, impaired concentration and confusion can also be seen. COVID-19 actually seems to negatively affect all organs in the body. When these symptoms are seen, it is important to clarify whether you have the flu or COVID-19 by applying to a health institution and having a test. "If you have severe complaints such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and severe headache, you should immediately apply to the emergency service of a hospital."

In both diseases, it is important to stay at home and to be isolated in order not to infect the family.

Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc, who said that flu symptoms usually disappear in 4-5 days and that this disease can sometimes take 7 days to pass. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “However, COVID-19 infection can take 10 days or even longer. It is important that you stay at home when you are infected with both the flu and COVID-19 infection, and that you live in isolation at home to avoid infecting your family. It is possible to get rid of both diseases by resting at home, consuming plenty of fluids and using antipyretic drugs. However, in some cases, both diseases can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia, severe respiratory failure, inflammation of the heart, brain and muscle tissues. These complications are generally seen in those with chronic diseases and advanced age groups. "COVID-19 can also lead to some health problems, such as blood clotting and Multiple System Inflammatory Syndrome in children." Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko made reminders to protect and prevent the spread of both flu viruses and COVID-19:

• When you go out of the house, wear your mask to cover your nose and chin.
• Hand wash frequently.
• Maintain social distance in every environment, keep at least 3-4 steps distance from people.
• Do not touch your mouth, face, eyes and nose with your hands.
• Do not stay as much as possible in crowded and closed environments, stay away from sick people, do not contact.
• Regularly disinfect the surfaces you come into contact with.
• Do not sneeze or cough in your hand. Sneeze or cough on the inside of your arm or on a napkin.
• If you are sick, sit at home.