With the increase in cases of viral infections, it is difficult to understand the difference between H3N2, COVID and the common flu. However, here is an expert-backed summary to understand the differences.
The drastic change of season has stimulated a series of infections. While the flu is a common disease that spreads especially when the weather changes, this time there have been more. Until a few days ago, the new influenza subtype H3N2 was spreading like wildfire and had unleashed a wave of panic. And now, another new variant of COVID-19 has emerged that is possibly driving the rise in coronavirus cases. For the past few months, the more fortunate among us have been reading about an increase in flu cases, and the less fortunate have been infected and say that this time it didn’t seem like a “normal” flu with prolonged symptoms. especially cough. This is attributed to H3N2, which many believe is different from the flu. Recent reports of increased detections of COVID-19 have added to the confusion. Now, any symptom of a respiratory infection raises uncertainty about the cause.
Due to the overlap of signs and symptoms, it is very confusing for a layman to understand the difference. Therefore, it is essential to understand the symptoms and the differences between COVID-19 and influenza.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is transmitted through respiratory droplets, and the symptoms closely resemble those of other respiratory infections. Symptoms can start 2-14 days after exposure. Common symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. People may also experience fatigue, muscle pain, headache, loss of taste or smell (now less common), sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
In vulnerable groups, COVID-19 can be severe, causing pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and organ failure.
INFLUENZA:
Influenza or flu is highly contagious and spreads when respiratory droplets containing the virus from an infected person are transferred to an uninfected person by sneezing, coughing, or even speaking. They can also spread through frequently touched surfaces.
Once infected, signs and symptoms appear within 1-3 days, often without warning, and vary in severity. Common symptoms are fever, chills, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, and body aches.
Several people experience a sore throat and a persistent dry cough. Due to the nature of the H3N2 virus, this cough can last for weeks.
A quick look at the basic difference in symptoms
- COVID-19 can cause infections year-round, but influenza is more “seasonal,” starting in the winter and ending in late spring or early summer.
- COVID-19 is more common in young adults and older people, while children under 8 years of age and those over 65 years of age are at higher risk of contracting the flu
- COVID-19 and influenza can cause fever, but fever is less common and usually lower grade (between 99 and 101°F) in patients with influenza
- Although coughing is present in both conditions, in influenza caused by H3N2, the cough can be severe and takes longer to clear up.
- COVID-19 causes profound fatigue that is less common in influenza
- COVID-19 can cause loss of smell or taste, while the flu does not.
- Influenza can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but they are less common in COVID-19
- While both diseases can lead to complications, COVID-19 is more likely to lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and death, especially in those with existing chronic illnesses.
While the symptoms can be similar and confusing, laboratory tests such as RT-PCR are available for both infections and can definitively identify the virus.
Be aware, seek information from reliable sources of health information, it is important to wear face coverings in crowded indoor and outdoor areas. And just like staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, getting a yearly flu vaccination can help keep you and your loved ones protected.
(- input from Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director for the Indian subcontinent at International SOS)
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