COVID-19 has already spread around the globe and thousands are infected with this disease. The speed of the spread this quicker than most of the common diseases. So, people are worried about that. But, we can stop Coronavirus if we stay at home. You are safe until you get direct contact with an infected person. However, the symptoms between Flu and COVID-19 are very similar. So, one can get confused between these two diseases. So, in this post, we’ll share some of the similarities of Flu vs COVID-19. It’ll help you to know the main differences between these two diseases.
To avoid Coronavirus, the best thing that you can do is, you can put yourself at home quarantine. Currently, we don’t have any vaccine for COVID-19. So, social distancing is the only way to save ourselves. All Governments around the world are taking necessary steps against COVID-19. While you are at home, you can try learning new languages with the Best Language Learning apps. It’ll help you to develop new skills while you are at home quarantine. And you should know whats the main difference between Flu vs COVID-19. We have described some of them below.
Table of Contents
Flu vs COVID-19 Similarities and Differences
Symptoms
Symptoms of Flu and COVID-19 can be similar. In both cases, we can see Sore Throat, Cough, Fever, Muscle Aches. So, symptoms of both these diseases can be similar. So, it’s obvious that anyone can get confused with the symptoms of COVID-19 and Flu.
However, in some recent cases, doctors have seen diarrhea, abdominal pain and other few symptoms. So, both diseases caused by different viruses, but they show similar symptoms to the patient. Although researchers are still trying to find all the symptoms of COVID-19, for now, we have seen the similar symptoms between COVID-19 and Flu.
Mortality Rate
The mortality rate of these two diseases is different. We have seen a 0.01% mortality rate with the Flu. But, with Coronavirus, the mortality rate changes. Because we have seen a 2-3% mortality rate with the people with COVID-19. So, as you can see, COVID-19 has more mortality rate than Flu.
According to the reports of World Health Organizations (WHO), 15% of COVID-19 cases are mild and 5% of them are critical. Those who develop a critical situation should be kept on ventilators. And they have the most mortality rate. So, the mortality rate between COVID-19 and Flu differs a lot. And it makes Coronavirus more dangerous.
Pandemic
We have seen patients with seasonal Flu every year. But the numbers aren’t the same as COVID-19. Because, there are thousands of people who got infected with COVID-19 within 4-5 months. And WHO has already declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic.
Because Coronavirus has spread in almost every country in the world. Unlike Flu, it’s spreading quickly. So, COVID-19 is a global pandemic, but Flu isn’t. Humans has been living with Flu for over 100 years. But, COVID-19 is a new type of disease that has affected thousands of peoples worldwide. So, it’s obvious that it has become a Global Pandemic.
Spreading
Both Flu and COVID-19 can transmit through human to human. COVID-19 spreads through droplets of the infected person. It spreads from direct sneezing or cough of the infected person. Coronavirus is not airborne. At least researchers are saying that. But it can live on different surfaces like Paper, Cardboard, and plastic for hours.
So, it’s better to keep a distance of a minimum of 6 feet while talking to a person. It’ll reduce the risk of getting Coronavirus from the infected person. Children can show symptoms of Flu. But, in recent studies, we have seen that children with COVID-19 aren’t showing the symptoms.
Transmission Number
To measure the reproduction number, scientists use R0. This is an estimate with the average number of people who got the virus from a single infected person. In simple words, R0 is the number that indicates how many people can be infected by a single person.
Common Flu has the R0 value of 1.3. But, Coronavirus has the R0 value of 2-3. That means, a single person who has COVID-19 can spread the disease among 2 or 3 peoples. Although it’s not a confirmed report as of now, we have this R0 value. So, COVID-19 can spread to more people than the Common Flu.
Causes
Both COVID-19 and Flu are caused by viruses. So, in both diseases, we can see the virus living inside cells. So, the cells become host cells to the viruses. And they can spread to new cells on the body.
There are two types of viruses that cause flu- Influenza-A and B. And COVID-19 are caused by SARS-CoV-2 or Coronavirus. This is the similarity that both the disease shares. But, Coronavirus spreads more easily than the Influenza virus. So, it is more dangerous for sure.
Treatment
Flu isn’t a new disease. We have seen patients with common flu every year. And Flu can be cured with vaccination. Because there is a vaccination available for Common Flu that can prevent the virus infection. And most of the people recover from Flu using the vaccination.
But with COVID-19, the case is not the same. SARS-CoV-2 is a new type of virus that causing COVID-19. So, we haven’t seen this virus earlier and it is completely new to us. So, there is no vaccination available for COVID-19. The only thing that can fight against Coronavirus is our immune system. Although there has been a trial for some vaccines, as of now, no vaccine is available for the public. It’ll take time to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. As of now, we can stop the spread of Coronavirus if we stay at home and wash our hands regularly.
Final Words
So, guys, I hope the above information has been helpful to you. If you liked the information from us, you can share this post with your friends and family on social media platforms. And tell them the similarities between Flu vs COVID-19. You can also comment on your thoughts in the comment section below. And don’t go outside unless you have an emergency. And if you go out, don’t forget to wear a mask.
