Coronavirus versus Flu: their differences, their similarities

In fact, the flu virus Influenza A and B and the coronavirus Sars-Cov-2 causing disease Covid-19, are very different even if the symptoms are similar: headache, fever, fatigue, cough, and difficulty breathing pains thoracic.

In 80% of cases, Covid-19 causes minor symptoms but the percentage of severe cases is higher than for influenza because, in 15%, severe symptoms require a oxygen supply, and 5% of cases have critical symptoms requiring intensive care management for a pneumonia.

The incubation periods differ: from 24 to 48 hours for the flu, from 5 to 14 days for the Covid-19, justifying quarantine.

A person infected with Sars-CoV-2 can infect 2 to 2.5 people, the one infected with the influenza will only contaminate 1.5 to 2 people.

Another difference that the scientists do not explain yet, the cases of relapse after " healing »And the worsening of symptoms in young subjects, a priori less fragile.

While a vaccine against the influenza is developed every year, there is still no vaccine against the Covid-19.

Coronavirus VS Flu: the similarities

In both cases, people are contagious during the incubation period. Viruses Influenza and Sars-CoV-2 have the same mode of transmission.

They are transmitted by micro-droplets of saliva, the postlets ejected during sneezing, coughing reaching the mucous membranes mouth, nose or some eyes, or by contact physical with an infected surface.

These two, Influenza virus and Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus, persist for several days on inert surfaces (buttons, handle of door..), several hours on secretions dried.

Hygiene measures and barrier actions can slow down the spread coronavirus:

• sneeze or cough in his elbow;
• wash your hands regularly;
• use disposable tissues;
• wear a mask if symptoms occur.