Right now, coronavirus spreading around the world corners and the seasonal flu which is very similar to the coronavirus in symptoms and causes making it difficult to differentiate in both of them. So, let’s have a look what are they:
Flu
Flu is a seasonal viral infection that attacks your nose, throat and lungs. Basically, parts of respiratory system. Influenza is commonly called the flu, mostly figured out because of cold, cough and fever.
Every year, million cases of flu occurs and resolves on its own within short span. But sometimes, if you don’t take care of yourself, its complications can be deadly. People which usually present in higher risk of developing complications are young children, elders, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and people with weak immunity or immuno-compromised.
Symptoms
The flu symptoms are almost same like common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. The common cold usually develops slowly but flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold happens, you still feel comfortable within few days but flu usually feel much worse.
Common signs and symptoms associated with flu include:
- Fever over 100°C
- Chills and sweats
- Headache, bodyache
- Persistent cough
- Blocked or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Weakness, tired feeling
Causes
Usually most viruses travel through the air in droplets form and able to infect persons who comes in contact. It happens when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets or can pick up the virus from surface and can transfer them to eyes, nose or mouth yourself. Besides that it can be spread by saliva (kissing or shared drinks) or by skin contacts like handshakes or hugs.
Infected person become contagious from the day or so before symptoms first appear until about five days. Children and people with weak immune system may be contagious for longer time.
With time, influenza virus is able to stay due to it’s mutation with new evolved strains. If you had influenza in the past, your body has made particular antibodies to fight that particular strain of the virus. But in the future, if new strain of influenza virus encountered, those antibodies may prevent infection or lessen its severity but not going to prevent it completely.
Complications
If you’re young and healthy, seasonal influenza usually isn’t serious. Although you may feel very weak and uncomfortable while you have it, the flu usually goes away in a week or two with no lasting effects. But children and adults at high risk may develop complications such as:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Asthma flare-ups
- Ear infections
Hence, you need to take rest, symptomatic relief for cold and cough by taking tea, honey, warm water etc. You need to consult doctor Or physician if symptoms persists or worsens.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus disease which also called as COVID-19 is associated with large family of viruses that can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. It might be zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. But as this is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. There are lot of challenges to gather right information and dilemma to face this by health care facilities and professionals.
Symptoms
It is characterized by mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, body ache and fever.
It can be more severe for people with weak immunity, pregnant women, children, elders and person with chronic diseases. So, vulnerable people symptoms include shortness of breath Or breathing difficulties due to pneumonia. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia and may lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Causes
It’s unclear exactly how contagious the new coronavirus is as it is spreading successfully to many countries with different habitats and climates. It is spreading from person to person contact through droplet form (cough, sneeze, talk) in air and able to infect persons who comes in direct contact. You can inhale the droplets or can pick up the virus from surface and can transfer them to eyes, nose or mouth yourself like flu virus. So, the transmission is same by saliva (kissing or shared drinks) or by skin contacts like handshakes or hugs. For how long a person can be contagious, it is difficult to say as incubation period may be 5 to 14 days and person may be asymptomatic but contagious. So, prevention is the key here.
Prevention of coronavirus
There is standard recommendations which can prevent infection to you or your dear ones. It includes regular hand washing with soap, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing by mask or hand, thoroughly cooking food. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Standard Practice
Try to avoid contact or touch with people, surfaces and objects throughout the day when you are travelling and in work place. As there is accumulation of germs on your hands, you have to restrict yourself to touch your eyes, nose or mouth completely and rinse the hands thoroughly.
As there is no vaccine available, you can take steps to reduce the risk of infection by following this :
- Wash your hands thoroughly often with soap and water for atleast 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth multiple times.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or showing symptoms.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze and wear mask while travelling.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces everyday.
- Stay home from work, school and public areas if you’re sick and avoid mass gathering.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked food.
Call Or go ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing and have been in contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Be alert and be safe.
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