The World Health Organization (WHO) names similarities and differences between the two infectious diseases Covid-19 and flu.
Similarities between Covid-19 and flu
Both diseases are caused by viruses. Flu from influenza viruses, Covid-19 from the novel coronavirus (more precisely name SARS-CoV-2).
The clinical picture is similar: Both viruses cause respiratory diseases. However, the course can be very different from mild to very difficult or even fatal. Both diseases can also go without symptoms.
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Another commonality between Covid-19 and flu are the transmission routes. Both viruses are predominantly transmitted by droplets: when an infected person speaks, sneezes or coughs, for example. The viruses can of course also be caught in direct contact, but also via doorknobs, grab bars in the bus and train or other contaminated objects.
To protect against infection, the same hygiene measures therefore apply: regular hand washing, disinfectants and distance from the sick. It is also advisable to limit hugs and shaking hands and not to touch surfaces touched by many people. FITBOOK has already reported extensively on the low benefits of common respiratory masks.
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Washing hands – but right!
Wash thoroughly for 20 to 30 seconds with sufficient soap – not only the palms but also the spaces between the fingers. With this measure you can protect yourself against contagious infections of the gastrointestinal tract, the upper and lower airways and the skin.
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Differences between Covid-19 and flu
As the first important difference between the two viruses, the WHO names the transmission speed – i.e. the period between infection and the first symptoms, called the incubation period. On average, people get the flu more quickly and do it within about three days. For Covid-19, the WHO specifies a period of five to six days.
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In addition, people with flu would often infect other people even before the first symptoms. Although the novel coronavirus transmissions are known 24 to 48 hours before symptoms appear, these are rare and, according to the WHO, play hardly any role in the spread.
In contrast, the infection rate with Covid-19 is higher than with the flu. According to the WHO, the new coronavirus is passed on from one infected person to an average of two to two and a half other people, more than with an influenza.
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According to initial knowledge, the role of children in retransmissions is higher for influenza viruses than for Covid-19. According to the WHO, children would become infected with the new corona virus, especially in adults.
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Pregnant women, children, the elderly and the chronically ill have a higher risk of infection with influenza viruses and are more often affected by severe flu. With coronavirus, the WHO does not count pregnant women and children (according to current knowledge) among the risk groups.
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