With the flu season upon us, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine whether the symptoms you are having are that of the flu or covid-19? While last year most of us won’t think twice before sneezing, or if we were down with the flu, this year it has been different. With both COVID-19 and the flu being at peak now, we search for signs that will separate one from the other. The annoying part is both these illnesses have overlapping symptoms. So, it’s important to understand the differences and importance.
The Flu and COVID are both dangerous. Last year alone, the flu caused more than 60,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. So, why is it that people do not panic about the flu but worry about catching the Coronavirus! According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, deaths caused by the COVID-19 is somewhere around 247,000 in the U.S. But the real number can be even higher. Both infections can cause symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, headache, runny nose, muscle aches, pains, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, etc.
Difference between the Flu and the Covid-19 symptoms
What differentiates the two illnesses is that people suffering from COVID-19 may lose their sense of taste and smell, but you do not see this in a person suffering from flu. Both these illnesses take time to develop, or instead, the symptoms take time to surface. But yes, it may take longer for a person suffering from COVID-19 to start showing symptoms. Yes, it may take as long as fourteen days, which is way longer than it would take for a person with flu to show symptoms.
People who are at high risk for these illnesses
People who are down with the flu may have only mild illnesses, and it will have a stronger impact on people in the high-risk category. This includes pregnant people, people over sixty years of age, and with underlying health conditions. Sometimes Coronavirus infection may cause more serious symptoms in people suffering from these conditions. Although children are not in the high-risk zone, children suffering from a multisystem inflammatory syndrome condition may be susceptible to this illness.
Treatment for the COVID-19 is different from that of standard Flu.
People recover from Flu easily, and mostly they do not require specialized care. However, things can change if you are suffering from serious symptoms. In that case, your health care practitioner may prescribe a specific medicine for you. If you have had taken the flu vaccine, the intensity of your symptoms may be far less. However, there is still no standard medical treatment for the COVID-19.
The only drug approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is an antiviral medication Remdesivir! So this medicine is usually taken by I.V and is administered to patients on an experimental basis. Other medicines are useful in treating a few other specific conditions like body pains, breathing issues, and fever. Well, the only thing that can change things is the COVID-19 vaccine. Yes, there are promising vaccine options that we get to hear every day, and we won’t be lying when we say that we are waiting with bated breath for the same!
When in doubt, talk to your doctor!
If you are suffering from either, of the illnesses, please don’t delay things. Talk to your doctor as soon as you can. A test in time can save a life. And if you get the coronavirus, there are, several things you can do. After testing, you can isolate yourself and then consider the treatment options. Also, the CDC’s self-checker tool will come to your aid in situations like these.
We are on the verge of conquering one of the biggest pandemics ever. This year has all been about, washing our hands innumerable times, wearing masks, and staying put at home. Will the next year be any different? All we can say is stay safe at home and continue to follow the Government-approved rules and regulations, till the Coronavirus vaccine saves the day.
Keeping our fingers crossed for that, aren’t we? And don’t forget to use this time to improve your physical and mental health. That would not just prevent you from catching the virus, but will also help you cope with the stress better! Remember, the secret is to eat healthy, workout, and follow hygienic practices.