QUESTION
What is the difference between Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19?
ANSWER
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus first identified in 2019. Flu is caused by infection with a flu virus (influenza viruses).
From what we know, COVID-19 spreads more easily than flu. Compared to flu, COVID-19 can cause more serious illnesses in some people. COVID-19 can also take longer before people show symptoms, and people can remain contagious for longer periods of time.
QUESTION
Can you differentiate from the symptoms between flu and COVID-19?
ANSWER
You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 just by looking at the symptoms alone because they have some of the same symptoms. That’s why testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis. Testing is also important because it can reveal if someone has both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention