A typical cold, flu, and new Coronavirus or COVID 19
can cause similar symptoms. However, there are many differences between them.
In other terms, fever, body aches, chills, and cough;
all the symptoms seem the same for the flu, colds, seasonal allergies, and
Coronavirus. How do you know the differences? Here, in this particular article,
we will explain how you can better understand the signs, symptoms, and
treatments for these three.
What is the Coronavirus or COVID 19?
Coronavirus is a new strain of corona disease not
previously seen in humans that are spreading quickly worldwide. Four other
strains of the Coronavirus are prevalent and usually cause mild symptoms like
the common cold. However, the new pressure called COVID-19 can cause severe
illness in some specific groups. For example, older patients and people of all
ages with harsh health conditions, including heart disease, and lung disease,
diabetes, seem to be at higher risk of developing severe COVID 19 illnesses.
There is correctly no vaccine or cure for COVID 19.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include;
·
Chills and fever
·
Cough (usually dry)
·
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
·
Aches and pains
·
Tiredness (sometimes)
·
Sore throat and headache (sometimes)
Upper respiratory symptoms, like sinus congestion and
runny nose, are very uncommon in COVID-19. Sometimes people may experience a
lack of taste and inability to smell.
The severity of this new strain symptoms ranges from
mild to severe. If you suspect you have a novel coronavirus, call your
healthcare provider immediately and go for a medical checkup. If your symptoms
are common, you will likely be directed to stay home and follow the CDC
recommended guidelines for self-care. If you are referred to a testing site or
medical facility, don't forget to call ahead and inform them about your
symptoms before you go.
What is cold?
While you may experience miserable when you have a common
cold, the symptoms are generally mild compared to more aggressive viruses such
as flu. A common cold can lead to any or all of these symptoms;
·
Cough
·
Stuffy or runny nose
·
Fatigue (sometimes)
·
Watery eyes
·
Sneezing
·
Sore throat
·
Aches and pains
·
Headaches, etc.
Most medications have, at best, moderate effects on
cold symptoms. A common cold will last, on average, 7 to 10 days. Most symptoms
are not caused by the infection itself but rather the human body's immune
system trying to get rid of it. Most viruses will go away if we are patient and
our body's time to fight them.
What is the flu?
Flu or seasonal influenza is still active and generally
comes on fast and furious. This medical condition is a common respiratory
infection caused by a virus that affects your nose, lungs, and throat and can
last up to 7 days. Some common symptoms of flu can include;
·
Chills or fever
·
Cough
·
Pains and aches
·
Runny or stuffy nose
·
Sore throat and diarrhea
Unlike for colds or Coronavirus, vaccination is an
excellent way to treat the flu. If you took a flu shot and still get the flu,
your symptoms are generally milder than if you did not receive it. Most
patients suffering from flu get well without medical treatment. Stay home and
get rest and treat a fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
What causes colds, the flu, and COVID-19?
According to Georgine Nanos, an expert in epidemiology
and the CEO of a kind health group in Encinitas, California, all three are
caused by viruses. He says the common cold is usually caused by a virus called
rhinovirus, the influenza virus causes the flu, and a coronavirus causes the
COVID-19.
There are individual differences between these three
types of viruses. Influenza virus falls into two categories, labeled
"A" and "B." While we call COVID-19
"coronavirus," it is just one type of Coronavirus.
Coronaviruses (including COVID-19) are a huge family of
viruses that cause medical conditions, including common cold to severe diseases
like the Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory
syndrome.
Is Corona Virus worse than the cold or flu?
A common cold is rarely severe and very unlikely to be
deadly. The flu and COVID-19 affect people with varying degrees of severity.
For specific individuals, the symptoms are mild, and there is no complication.
But for some other people, these viruses can cause severe complications and
even death.
The death rate for the new strain of the Coronavirus of
COVID-19 is slightly higher than the flu death rate.
Those at a higher risk of severe symptoms from flu are:
·
Adults over 65
·
Children
·
Pregnant ladies
·
People who are immunocompromised
·
People with other serious health issues like
heart diseases, diabetes, asthma, and COPD, etc.
For COVID-19, those most severely affected are;
·
Older adults
·
People with other severe health conditions
·
People who are immunocompromised
People of any age can catch COVID-19. While not
considered high-risk, pregnant ladies and children are considered special
populations because of their increased risk of illness from other infectious
diseases.
What are the treatments for these illnesses?
Antibiotic medicines are only effective against
bacterial infections – not against viruses. Therefore, there are no medicines
for the common cold except for symptom management. People may use over the
counter (OTC) symptom relief medicine like Vicks Vaporub.
For the treatment of flu, an antiviral medication
called Tamiflu can lessen the severity and length of the symptoms and illness
but is only valid if given within the first 24 to 48 hours. Fluids are
essential for recovery, and symptoms can be managed with medicines like Tylenol
or Advil for muscle pain and fever. The flu can produce secondary infections,
including pneumonia and others, which may require further medical treatment.
There is currently no treatment for COVID-19. Antiviral
such as Tamiflu is not effective against the novel Coronavirus.
What can I do to avoid COVID-19?
According to the official alerts, follow the right
hygiene habits you use to avoid catching a cold.
· Stay home when you're sick.
· Use hand sanitizer.
· Avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth with
unwashed hands.
· Wash your hands, especially after sneezing, coughing,
cooking, eating, touching animals, and providing healthcare.
· Clean handrails, doorknobs, and toys.
· Avoid close contact (such as sharing cups, kissing or
sharing eating utensils) with people who are
sick.
