Understanding the Differences
Every year as the summer winds down and school resumes, we all know flu season is just around the corner. But again, our annual flu season hits while we are still amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
You’re probably aware by now that COVID-19 and the flu share a lot of the same symptoms. Maybe you are even feeling a little under the weather right now. So how do you tell the difference between COVID-19 signs and flu symptoms? The short answer is: It can be tricky.
Symptoms of COVID-19 and flu are strikingly similar: fever, headache, cough, body aches and fatigue. But with COVID-19, the hallmark difference so far seems to be many people lose their sense of smell and taste, often leaving them unable to register strong odors like coffee or onions. However, the loss of smell and taste may be less common with the Delta Variant. Meanwhile, a stuffy nose and sore throat seem to be the best indicators of having the flu.
COVID-19 is much more contagious than flu, with about five days between exposure to the virus and the first symptoms' appearance, whereas the flu presents in as few as two days. Many people who have COVID-19 do not show symptoms and are considered the most contagious approximately 48 hours before developing symptoms. With the flu, most people are more infectious after they have developed symptoms. The peak time for symptoms with the two viruses is drastically different. COVID-19 patients can experience severe symptoms up to two to three weeks after contracting the virus, while those with the flu generally feel symptoms within three to seven days.
It can be challenging to tell the difference between COVID-19 and flu. We encourage everyone to get their flu vaccine sooner rather than later since it can take two weeks to offer protection. We also encourage everyone to receive their COVID-19 vaccine or booster if recommended. It's also important to know that Tallahassee Memorial is screening all patients and visitors for COVID-19 and following safety protocols in our primary care practices, ERs and Urgent Care Centers, including caring for patients with and without suspected COVID-19 in separate secured areas. If you're having COVID-19 related symptoms or have been exposed, call your primary care provider before going to the office.
Regardless of if you think you may have COVID-19 or the flu and have questions for your doctor, or if you're experiencing severe symptoms and need emergency or urgent care, rest assured you can seek care safely.
There are many reasons to get a flu shot. With it, you are up to 60 percent less likely to get the flu, and studies show that your flu symptoms will be less severe even if you do get sick.
It is possible to test positive for both COVID-19 and the flu simultaneously, which could be catastrophic for your immune system. In fact, getting infected with one can make you more vulnerable to getting sick with the other. While the flu vaccine does not prevent COVID-19, getting a flu shot can offer you an added layer of protection.
Decide to protect yourself and others around you this flu season and get your flu vaccination. Do not forget to follow CDC guidelines and wash your hands frequently.
If you're looking for a primary care provider, be sure to check TMHPhysicianPartners.ORG.
For more information regarding COVID-19 and the flu, visit TMH.ORG.
