Flu or COVID-19?: How to tell the difference between the two
As flu season arrives, it's more important than ever to be able to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19.
Both viruses can cause similar symptoms, such as fever, cough, and body aches. However, there are some key differences between the two viruses.
COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus, while the flu is caused by influenza viruses. COVID-19 is more contagious than the flu, and it can cause more severe illness. There is also no vaccine for COVID-19, while there is a vaccine for the flu.
It's important to be able to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19 so that you can take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and others. If you think you may have the flu, stay home and call your doctor. If you think you may have COVID-19, get tested and isolate yourself from others.
Here are some of the key differences between the flu and COVID-19:
- Symptoms: The most common symptoms of the flu are fever, cough, body aches, headache, and fatigue. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Contagiousness: The flu is more contagious than the common cold, but less contagious than COVID-19. COVID-19 is highly contagious and can spread through close contact with an infected person, even if they are not showing symptoms.
- Severity: The flu can cause serious illness, but most people recover within a few weeks. COVID-19 can cause more severe illness, and it can be fatal for some people.
- Treatment: There is no cure for the flu, but there are antiviral medications that can help to reduce symptoms and shorten the course of the illness. There is no cure for COVID-19, but there are treatments that can help to relieve symptoms and prevent serious complications.
It's important to be aware of the differences between the flu and COVID-19 so that you can take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and others.
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