Learn how to differentiate the symptoms of the flu and Covid-19

During the autumn and winter months the occurrence of respiratory diseases increases in Brazil. The lower temperatures, which are recorded in much of the territory, contribute to the circulation of viruses that cause infections such as colds, flu and even covid-19.

Knowing how to differentiate the symptoms of each disease can help to distinguish a picture of cold, flu and covid-19.

Some basic care, including the vaccine against covid-19 and the flu, contribute to reducing the chances of infection and worsening of diseases.

Symptoms of Covid-19

Caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) covid-19 has a serious potential for high transmission and global distribution. The manifestations of the disease are diverse and vary according to each person’s health history and vaccination context.

Most of the time, cases are classified as asymptomatic to critical, according to the severity of the disease. Asymptomatic cases are those in which there is a positive laboratory test for the infection and no symptoms.

In mild cases we have the characterization from the presence of non-specific symptoms such as:

• • Cough

• • Sore throat

• • Runny nose followed (or not) by loss of smell (anosmia)

• • Loss of taste (ageusia)

• • Diarrhea

• • Abdominal pain

• • Fever and chills

• • Body and gourd pain

• • Fatigue

_{Person being vaccinated (Photo: Reproduction/Clínica do Shopping)}

In moderate cases of the disease, symptoms such as persistent cough and daily persistent fever or even progressive worsening of other symptoms related to the Coronavirus may be present:

• • Weakness

• • Lack of appetite

• • Prostration

• • Diarrhea

It is also possible to have pneumonia without symptoms or with symptoms of disease severity.

In severe cases, the main symptoms are:

• • Acute respiratory distress

• • severe respiratory failure

• • Multiple organ dysfunction

• • Severe pneumonia and need for respiratory support

In cases of this severity, patients need to be admitted to intensive care units (ICU).

Although most people with Covid-19 develop mild or moderate symptoms, about 15% may develop severe symptoms that require oxygen support, and approximately 5% may have the critical form of the disease, with complications such as respiratory failure, septic shock or multiple organ failure including heart or kidney damage requiring the patient to be in intensive care.

Another important factor of Covid-19 is the mental and neurological manifestation, including delirium, mental confusion, agitation, brain inflammation, anxiety, depression or sleep disorders.

flu symptoms

Influenza is an infection of the respiratory system, caused by the influenza virus, with enormous transmission potential. The virus has four types of influenza; A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B are responsible for seasonal epidemics, thus the influenza A virus is responsible for major pandemics.

The main flu symptoms are:

• • Fever

• • Sore throat

• • Cough

• • Body and headache pain

In adults, the clinical picture may vary, but in children they may have high temperatures, bronchitis, gastrointestinal symptoms and increased ganglia in the neck region. In the elderly, febrile symptoms are almost always present, in general, the temperature does not reach such high levels.

Other symptoms of the infection are:

• • Chills

• • malaise

• • joint pain

• • Excessive nasal secretion

• • Prostration

Patients may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, hoarseness, fatigue, teary or reddened eyes.

Some cases of the infection can evolve with complications, especially in patients with chronic diseases, children under 2 years of age and the elderly, which can lead to high levels of mortality. Most common complications are:

• • bacterial pneumonia

• • Sinusitis

• • Otitis

• • Dehydration

In cases of influenza A (H3N2), the symptoms are the same, with the potential to cause cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARI) in immunocompromised and elderly people.

It is important to keep vaccination up to date and use masks when necessary.

Featured Photo: Person blowing nose. Reproduction/Uol