The Flu vs. Coronavirus: What's The Difference?

Coronavirus continues to make headlines in recent weeks as cases of the respiratory illness are reported across the U.S. and globally. Otherwise known as COVID-1, the virus shares similarities with influenza in how it is spread, as well as its symptoms. Here’s what you should know about them.

Flu

• Symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms usually come on suddenly after an incubation period of 2 – 5 days.
• Virus Transmission: passed from person to person through respiratory droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
• Mortality Rate: the flu kills 290,000 to 650,000 people each year according to the CDC.
• Prevention: Flu season is not over, and it’s not too late for your flu shot. This is important because if you have the flu, you’re at a higher risk for other infections like pneumonia

COVID-19 (coronavirus)

• Symptoms: data is still being compiled to understand all the symptoms of the disease but the most common are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure.
• Virus Transmission: just like the flu, the virus is passed from person to person through respiratory droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
• Mortality Rate: according to the World Health Organization (WHO) there have been more than 80,000 confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide. Of those cases, nearly 3,000 resulted in death.
• Prevention: while there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, everyday preventative actions can help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Stay home when you are sick

For more information and updates from the CDC on COVID-19, visit our information page by clicking here