How will you know if you have the flu or Covid?

Autumn is fast approaching and that means the beginning of another influenza (flu) season but with a twist this year: Flu season will be colliding at the same time together with the viral pandemic of Covid. What does this mean for the annual flu season this year? Many of the symptoms of flu are similar to the symptoms of Covid.  If you get sick, how will you know if it’s the flu or a case of Covid?

Distinguishing between influenza and Covid

This flu season will prove to be a challenge in knowing the differences between the flu and Covid. What we know about each is that both are contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses.  The flu is caused by influenza A, B and sometimes C. Covid 19 is a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 that leads to this virus.

If we look at the commonalities of symptoms between the flu and Covid, there are several symptoms they share: fever, chills, coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches, and headache.  Both Covid and the flu can range from only minor symptoms to more severe having the potential to develop into serious complications of pneumonia, respiratory failure, heart attacks, strokes, and death.

Other similarities Covid and the flu share is the fact that individuals who are most vulnerable – the elderly and people with underlying health conditions – are at the greatest risk if they contract either virus for serious complications. Both Covid and the flu are also capable of being passed by a person who is asymptomatic (having no symptoms) to others.

Here is a link from the CDC showing similarities and differences between Covid and the flu.

Since Covid and the flu have many similarities, how exactly does a physician distinguish between the two? 

Since its arrival to the U.S. at the beginning of 2020, scientists have learned a great deal about Covid.  Our knowledge of the symptoms of this infection has increased and we now know some of the distinguishing characteristics of the symptoms associated with Covid 19 that are different from influenza.  Here are these symptoms of Covid that set it apart from the flu:

·      Covid has a longer incubation period than the flu

Symptoms of the flu usually occur within a matter of one to four days after being exposed to the virus. Covid symptoms have a wider span of time from first exposure to when symptoms develop.  Symptoms of Covid might appear as soon as two days after exposure or as long as 14 days after exposure. It’s also known that Covid is contagious for a longer period of time regardless of whether or not symptoms are present.

·      Covid has a “superspreader” capability

Both the flu and Covid are believed to be spread mainly through respiratory droplets passed from an infected person to an uninfected person usually through coughing, sneezing, or talking. However, Covid has the distinction of having “superspreader” capabilities meaning that the virus can quickly and easily spread amongst a large gathering of people who are not socially distanced far enough apart from each other. This has been one of primary reasons why large gatherings, such as at weddings, concerts, and sporting events, where people are in close contact with one another, have been discouraged.

·      Covid may cause loss of smell, taste, or other unusual symptoms

An unusual symptom not associated with the flu but is sometimes with Covid is a loss of smell and taste. This loss of smell and taste has been reported to last for several weeks or more for some people. Other unusual symptoms of Covid but not with the flu may include dizziness, diarrhea, delirium, or chicken-pox like lesions along with a rash or hives.

·      Covid appears to increase the risk of blood clots

A concerning complication of Covid is the increase in risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries of the heart, lungs, legs, and brain. Some patients with Covid have suffered cerebrovascular events such as strokes that have contributed to the fatality rate of this infection.

The best thing you can do

Because this is such an unprecedented year for having both influenza and Covid occurring at the same time, there is one very important step each of us can do – get a flu shot.  If you are unsure about getting a flu shot or never have, discuss with your doctor the pros and cons for your particular needs. While getting a flu shot does not guarantee that you won’t get the flu, but if you do, it will lower your risk of developing serious complications and of spreading the illness to others. It also reduces the risk and impact of other respiratory illness helping lessen the burden on the healthcare system which is already stretched to the limit.

The other things each of us can do minimizing our risk of exposure or contraction of either Covid or the flu, is to continue to practice common sense public health recommendations which include:

·      Social distancing of at least 6 feet apart

·      Avoid large gatherings

·      Frequent handwashing, preferably with soap and water, of at least 20 seconds

·      Clean and disinfectant your homes

·      Wear a mask in places that require them

If you develop any symptoms associated with Covid or the flu, call your doctor on how to be tested for either infection and follow their recommendations of getting tested and treated.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.