COVID-19 and Flu

What are the differences?

COVID-19 and influenza (flu), are both contagious respiratory diseases. However, they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is known to be caused by infection with a new coronavirus (SARS-COV 2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Since the symptoms of COVID-19 and flu are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.

Testing maybe needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Some of the similarities between the viruses include:

Fever or feeling of chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Sore throat, Stuffy or runny nose, Muscle pain or aches, Headache, Diarrhea (mostly in children), Vomiting. 

Flu: Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illnesses including common signs and symptoms listed above.

COVID-19: Other signs and symptoms of this infection is different from flu, may include change in or loss of taste or smell.

Prevention
Both COVID-19 and flu can be prevented by simply wearing face mask, frequent and thorough handwashing, coughing into the crook of your elbow, staying home when sick and limiting contact with people who are infected. Social distancing can also limit the spread of COVID-19 in communities.