Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explains that each virus displays certain hallmarks that differentiate them.

COVID-19 and the flu are both respiratory diseases that transmit from person to person, but different viruses cause them, and who is most susceptible to severe sickness differs.

There are also variances in the treatment of the disorders. To effectively protect oneself, it’s crucial to understand the difference between COVID-19 and influenza.

What are Viruses?

COVID-19 and influenza are both viral illnesses. Viruses are microscopic bacteria that live by entering and infecting other living cells. The virus multiplies inside these cells, making them host cells for the infection.

They can then propagate throughout the body to new cells. Coronaviruses are a type of virus that causes infections in the lungs. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes the infection that leads to COVID-19. The flu is caused by two viruses: influenza A and influenza B.

Different Signs & Symptoms

The incubation period for flu is one to three days, whereas COVID-19 has an incubation period of five days. There are also some variances between the onset of flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms. Signs of the flu usually appear in one to four days for people who have it. COVID-19 symptoms might appear anywhere from one to 14 days after exposure.

Mortality And Severity

COVID-19 and flu symptoms might range from mild to severe. Both of these things can lead to pneumonia. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 has a higher risk of severe and life-threatening illness than the flu, especially in older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.

Transmission

Person-to-person contact can transfer both COVID-19 and the flu virus. Coughing and sneezing can spread virus-laden droplets from one person to another, usually through the nose and mouth. Both viruses can live on surfaces as well. The transmission speed varies between the two viruses, with flu spreading more quickly than COVID-19.

In addition, transmission differs between children and adults. Flu transmission from children to adults is common. However, based on preliminary evidence, it appears that adults are more likely to infect children with COVID-19.

Treatment

There are more therapeutic options for flu than COVID-19 because flu has been around for much longer. The majority of flu sufferers do not require medical attention. However, in some circumstances, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines, which might lessen symptoms by a day or two.

On the other hand, scientists are still working on developing effective COVID-19 treatments, although there are a handful of treatment options recommended by healthcare professionals. More options will most likely become more widely available once scientists have had more opportunities to research the disease.

Prevention

One COVID-19 and flu similarity can be found in the form of prevention. Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them. It uses your body’s natural defences to build resistance to specific infections and makes your immune system stronger.

Vaccination is the most effective strategy to avoid getting the flu. A variety of influenza strains can cause flu. The most frequent strains change with the seasons. To choose the correct flu vaccine components, doctors forecast which strains will be the most common each season.

Scientists worldwide agree that the same rings true for vaccinations in the prevention of COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are designed to teach the body’s immune system to recognise and block the virus that causes COVID-19 safely. For more information on COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout in South Africa, click here.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.