COVID-19, the flu and the cold are viral infections that affect the respiratory system and, therefore, can present very similar symptoms such as fever, sore throat, stuffy nose and tiredness, for example.
However, there are some differences between these infections, especially in the frequency of each symptom. Knowing the main differences between COVID-19, the flu and a cold can be a good way to know when you need to go to the hospital or undergo more differentiated treatment.
Read too: COVID-19: what it is, symptoms, transmission and treatment
In any case, it is always advisable to go to the doctor to confirm the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment, especially if there are very intense symptoms.
How to differentiate symptoms
Despite having similar symptoms, COVID-19, the flu and the cold, have some differences:
Regardless of the cause, hygiene measures should always be adopted to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, flu or cold viruses. Therefore, in case of symptoms, you should wear a mask, wash your hands and apply alcohol gel frequently, for example, in addition to avoiding close contact with other people.
When to go to the doctor
Most COVID-19, flu or cold infections present mild symptoms that can be alleviated at home without any type of specific treatment, and it is only recommended to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
However, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner when symptoms are more intense, such as:
- High fever, above 39ºC;
- Intense and generalized muscle pain;
- Feeling of shortness of breath;
- Chest pain.
If the doctor suspects COVID-19, the diagnosis needs to be confirmed through the RT-PCR test. Check out all the tests recommended for COVID-19.
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How the treatment is carried out
Treatment may vary depending on the type of infection. In cases of flu and colds, treatment can be done at home with rest and hydration, but in cases of COVID-19 it is necessary to go to the doctor, as the initial symptoms can worsen in a short time, requiring medical advice.
Furthermore, whenever you need to use medicine to alleviate a symptom, you should also go to the doctor.
In more serious cases of COVID-19 and flu, hospitalization and the use of more specific medications, recommended by the doctor, such as remdesivir or baricitinib for COVID-19, and Tamiflu for flu, for example, may be necessary. See all approved medicines for COVID-19.
Bibliography
- KEILMAN, LJ Seasonal Influenza (Flu). Nurs Clin North Am. 54. 2; 227-243, 2019
- HSC COVID-19 DAY. COVID, Cold and Flu: know the difference. 2020. Disponível em: <https://covid-19.hscni.net/news/covid-cold-flu-know-the-difference/>. Acesso em 03 nov 2021
- ANVISA. TECHNICAL NOTE No. 04/2020 GVIMS/GGTES/ANVISA – Guidelines for health services: prevention and control measures that must be adopted when providing assistance to suspected or confirmed cases of infection by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). 2020. Available at: <https://www.gov.br/anvisa/pt-br/centraisdeconteudo/publicacoes/servicosdesaude/notas-tecnicas/nota-tecnica-gvims_ggtes_anvisa-04_2020-25-02-para-o-site. pdf>. Accessed on January 31, 2020
- WHO – WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Similarities and differences between COVID-19 and Influenza. 2020. Disponível em: <https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-similarities-and-differences-with-influenza>. Acesso em 03 nov 2021
- SALIAN, VS; et al. COVID-19 Transmission, Current Treatment, and Future Therapeutic Strategies. Mol Pharm. 18. 3; 754-771, 2021
- ADIL, MT; et al. SARS-CoV-2 and the pandemic of COVID-19. Postgraduate degree with J. 97. 1144; 110-116, 2021
- CDC – CENTERS OF DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19. 2021. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm>. Accessed on 03 Nov 2021
- CDC – CENTERS OF DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. Symptoms of COVID-19. 2021. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html>. Accessed on 03 Nov 2021
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