Both infectious respiratory diseases with similar symptoms, the COVID-19 and the flu virus can appear to be similar, but are the result of different viruses. Here are similarities and contrasts between the two high impacting illnesses now spreading throughout parts of the U.S. and the world. The source of this info is Dr. Lisa Maragakis of John Hopkins Medicine.
SIMILARITIES: THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND THE FLU VIRUS
1. Both can cause, fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, with sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.
2. Both can be mild or severe, leading to death in rare cases.
3. The two illnesses can result in pneumonia.
TRANSMISSION:
1. Both diseases can transmit their viral impact from person to person through droplets in the air from an infected person coughing, sneezing, or even talking. ***Do check TRANSMISSION seen below also for a possible DIFFERENCE in the COVID-19 virus spread.
2. The flu can be spread for several days by an infected person before the symptoms appear. The novel 2019 coronavirus is believed to be spread in similar fashion, not totally known, however, at this writing.
TREATMENT:
1. Because these are two viruses, there is no antibiotic treatment (used for bacterial infection) which is ineffective for viruses.
2. Both, however, can be treated by dealing with the symptoms, such as reducing fevers. In more severe cases, hospitalization and mechanical ventilation may be used.
PREVENTION:
Both problems may be prevented by frequent thorough hand washing and coughing into the inside of your elbow. When sick, staying home and limiting contact with others is highly recommended by health officials.
DIFFERENCES: THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND THE FLU VIRUS
CAUSE:
1. COVID-19 is caused by one virus, the novel (new) 2019 coronavirus, now known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2.
2. The flu may be caused by any of several different types and strains of influenza viruses.
TRANSMISSION:
As seen above in ***SIMILARITIES of TRANSMISSION, both diseases do share similar paths in spreading their disease, but there is a possible difference: The COVID-19 might be spreading its germ through the airborne route of tiny droplets remaining in the air, even after the sick person is no longer in the area.
ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS:
1. COVID-19: Antiviral meds are currently being tested to see if they can treat the symptoms.
2. Because the flu strains are not new, antiviral medications are already out in the market place and sometimes shorten the length of the illness.
VACCINE:
1. COVID-19: No vaccine is available at this time, but through present intense research, many labs are progressing to find a vaccine, as quickly as possible.
2. The Flu: Yearly, an inexpensive flu vaccine becomes available to the American public. The vaccine chosen usually incorporates weakened strains of the two or three highly anticipated and most dangerous types of viruses to reduce the severity of the germ in that particular season. Unfortunately, many Americans do not choose to have themselves vaccinated.
INFECTIONS:
1. COVID-19: In 87 countries and territories, approximately 96,809 confirmed cases reported worldwide (50,000 recovered) with a growth factor of 3%; 160 confirmed cases in the U.S. in 17 states as of March 5, 2020.
2. The Flu: Estimated 1 billion cases worldwide; 9.3 million to 45 million cases in the U.S. yearly, depending on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine chosen for that year. ***This year as of February 29, 2020), the U.S. has seen 32 million illnesses with 310,000 hospitalizations.
DEATHS:
1. COVID-19: Approximately 3,308 deaths reported worldwide; 11 deaths in the U.S., as of March 5, 2020.
2. The Flu: 291,000 to 646,000 deaths worldwide; 12,000 to 61,000 deaths in the U.S. yearly, also depending on the number of people who are vaccinated that particular year. ***This year as of February 29, 2020, the U.S. has seen 18,000 deaths.
***According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are steps to be taken if you are feeling ill and question whether you are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms:
1. Phone your doctor first
2. Tell the office about any history of contact or personal exposure with a person who might have the COVID-19 virus / wait for your doctor’s direction on where to go or whether to stay in isolation in your own home.
3. Cover up with a face mask and use a tissue (to immediately be thrown into a lined trash can) for coughing when you go to the physician’s office
4. Clean up by washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or by using hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol. 4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
5. Use a closed fist for opening doors and hand shaking
6. Clean all “high touch” surfaces in your house daily using a cleaning wipe or spray while wearing gloves and providing yourself with proper ventilation
7. For milder cases, isolate yourself in your house (only leaving for medical assistance), staying away from other people and animals there and by using your own bathroom, where possible
8. Don’t share dishes, cups, silverware, towels and bedding, and wash with soap and water after use
9. Watch and wait while monitoring your symptoms, especially breathing difficulties when you should call your health care expert at once for further direction.
***Home isolation for milder cases should be discontinued only at the advice of a medical expert. Most important, try not to panic!
