The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (which is responsible for Covid-19) and the influenza virus (which causes influenza) have many points in common: they are so-called “RNA” respiratory viruses, which means that they have need the cellular machinery of the cell they infect in order to reproduce. They are able (during replication) to mutate, that is to say to modify themselves.
Moreover, these two respiratory viruses are transmitted in the same way: via droplets of saliva (projected when we speak, when we cough, when we sneeze …) and via physical contact (when we are the kiss, when we shake hands …).
Symptoms: How do I know if I have the flu or Covid-19?
Sadly, “it is often difficult to tell the difference between a Covid-19 and the flu by simply observing the symptoms, even when you are a doctor“recognizes Dr. Philippe Laurent, pulmonologist.
In the event of Covid-19 or the flu, one can thus observe fever (with a body temperature above 38 ° C), respiratory signs (a dry or oily cough, shortness of breath …), severe fatigue ( we speak of asthenia) and / or stiffness (myalgia).
To know. “Statistically, in the case of Covid-19, we rather see the fever appear before the cough; for influenza, it is the other way around. But that’s still theory“specifies the pulmonologist. In addition, the Covid-19 like the flu can be more or less symptomatic …
There are, however, signs that can make you think of a Covid-19 rather than the flu: these include digestive signs (diarrhea, for example), sometimes severe headaches (headache) and loss taste and / or smell (ageusia / anosmia).
And also… The flu evolves through seasonal epidemics: between the months of November and April, we can first think of the flu before the Covid-19.
Flu or Covid-19: when to consult?
In the event of symptoms reminiscent of the flu or a Covid-19 (fever, cough, severe fatigue, etc.), it is best to do a video consultation with your doctor in order to be prescribed a PCR or antigen test: “do not go to the office, at the risk of transmitting your Covid-19, if you suspect that you have caught it!“advises Dr. Philippe Laurent.
“For young adults and children, it is important to know if you have Covid-19 in order to apply the necessary isolation measures and prevent contact persons.“
“Differentiating between Covid-19 and influenza is crucial in patients who are at risk of having a severe form in the event of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus: renal or respiratory failure, chronically ill, patients treated with chemotherapy, hospitalized patients, nursing home residents …“says the doctor. Also, if you have symptoms that may suggest the flu or Covid-19, do not wait to call your doctor!
Flu or Covid-19: what about vaccines?
“The flu vaccine is effective, but only up to about 65%, on condition that you get vaccinated again each year: it does not therefore constitute an insurmountable bulwark against the flu.“explains Dr. Philippe Laurent.
The same goes for the Covid-19 vaccines: “although these vaccines are very effective (usually more than 90%), they protect against infection only up to about 50%. They have been designed to significantly reduce the risk of severe form of Covid-19“.
Whether you have been vaccinated against the flu and / or against Covid-19, it is therefore always possible to catch these diseases … “Although it is always possible to catch the flu or the Covid-19 despite the vaccines it is not necessary, for those to whom it is recommended, to miss being vaccinated because they protect massively from an evolution towards forms serious which can be fatal or leave significant damage“says the doctor.
Thanks to Dr. Philippe Laurent, pulmonologist at the Aressy clinic (Pyrénées-Atlantiques – ELSAN group).
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