Posted on 02/28/2020 8:34:13 PM PST by NoLibZone
Influenza (the flu) and COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, are both infectious respiratory illnesses. Although the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can look similar, the two illnesses are caused by different viruses.
As of Feb. 28, 2020, the flu is showing much more of an impact on Americans than COVID-19. You can find up-to-date information on COVID-19 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins, explains how the flu and COVID-19 are similar and how they are different. Similarities: COVID-19 and the Flu Symptoms
Both cause fever, cough, body aches, fatigue; sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Can be mild or severe, even fatal in rare cases. Can result in pneumonia.
Transmission
Both can be spread from person to person through droplets in the air from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking. A possible difference: COVID-19 might be spread through the airborne route (see details below under Differences). Flu can be spread by an infected person for several days before their symptoms appear, and COVID-19 is believed to be spread in the same manner, but we dont yet know for sure.
Treatment
Neither virus is treatable with antibiotics, which only work on bacterial infections. Both may be treated by addressing symptoms, such as reducing fever. Severe cases may require hospitalization and support such as mechanical ventilation.
Prevention
Both may be prevented by frequent, thorough hand washing, coughing into the crook of your elbow, staying home when sick and limiting contact with people who are infected. Differences: COVID-19 and the Flu Cause
COVID-19: Caused by one virus, the novel 2019 coronavirus, now called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2.
Flu: Caused by any of several different types and strains of influenza viruses. Transmission
While both the flu and COVID-19 may be transmitted in similar ways (see the Similarities section above), there is also a possible difference: COVID-19 might be spread through the airborne route, meaning that tiny droplets remaining in the air could cause disease in others even after the ill person is no longer near. Antiviral Medications
COVID-19: Antiviral medications are currently being tested to see if they can address symptoms.
Flu: Antiviral medications can address symptoms and sometimes shorten the duration of the illness. Vaccine
COVID-19: No vaccine is available at this time, though it is in progress.
Flu: A vaccine is available and effective to prevent some of the most dangerous types or to reduce the severity of the flu. Infections
COVID-19: Approximately 84,119 cases worldwide; 62 cases in the U.S. as of Feb. 28, 2020.
Flu: Estimated 1 billion cases worldwide; 9.3 million to 45 million cases in the U.S. per year. Deaths
COVID-19: Approximately 2,871 deaths reported worldwide; 0 deaths in the U.S., as of Feb. 28, 2020.
Flu: 291,000 to 646,000 deaths worldwide; 12,000 to 61,000 deaths in the U.S. per year.
Another difference...the common flu cannot be spread via droplets entering the eye membrane.
BS: Are you getting paid for your bs and ignorant comments:
Common flu can enter your eye mucus membranes (harder to enter those...but it is just like your other mucus membranes...dont rub eyes w/o washing/sanitizing hands 1st). Also, all viruses can be both droplet and aerosolized.
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/qa/how-does-a-flu-virus-make-me-sick
https://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm
Droplet vs. aerosol/airborne:
Yep and it works as a good excuse for the severe economic slowdown they are already in.
Death to Healed ratio in Italy is 50%
Aerosol. Excuse me, Grumpa.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/expert-says-killer-coronavirus-spread-21352748
Treating the typical flu doesnt usually require protective eyewear.
Are you getting paid to be rude, or do you do that for free?
Great news! Homeland Virus cops are coming to lock you and your family up!
It is amazing how many so called conservatives want the Feds to take over our lives due to this so called emergency.
That type of bs is how we ended up with Homeland Security and TSA. They make air travel miserable 24/7, and probably have eliminated zero air tragedies.
If you want Homeland Virus or whatever to be able to quarantine you and your family:
You are an idiot and not a conservative.
Then, to Mass Quarantinofornias !!!.. Sanctuary States in rapid decline!!!.. Norm’s Revenge
I used to appreciate your posts.
Please dont post to me, anymore.
You seem to have gone off the rails.
You must be a government run health care advocate if you can see no difference between the care we have vs what the world has.
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