ARVI, flu and COVID-19: how to distinguish between the diseases

In Ukraine, the epidemiological period traditionally begins in October and ends in spring. According to the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of October, more than 1.5 million Ukrainians have contracted SARS, flu, and COVID-19. The Ministry explained how to distinguish between the diseases.

First symptoms: what is the difference between a cold and the flu?

Respiratory viral infection (colds - Ed.) is often called "flu," although the difference between them is significant, both in terms of the dynamics of the disease and its complications. The flu starts suddenly. Often, at the beginning of the disease, severe headache and muscle pain, fever, weakness, and severe fatigue appear. The common cold develops over several days, and people often carry it on their feet. It usually starts with a sore throat and runny nose. Within a few days, a person has a sore throat, a stuffy nose, a slightly elevated temperature, weakness, and a headache.

First symptoms: what is the difference between influenza and COVID-19?

Influenza starts with a sharp rise in temperature, and respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, mucus production, and sore throat are added later. COVID-19, on the other hand, starts with respiratory symptoms.

The influenza virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and lungs, and in addition, the heart muscle and the inner surface of blood vessels. This was shown by recent research at the Ohio State University (USA). That's why the most common complications of influenza are pneumonia, heart failure, and thrombosis. In addition, influenza exacerbates chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.

The risk groups for severe disease include

• pregnant women
• children under 5 years of age
• people over 60 years of age,
• people with chronic diseases.

The website adonis.com.ua offers the following comparative table.

Algorithm of actions during the disease

At the first sign of illness, you should consult your family doctor, do not resort to self-medication, and take care of the safety of your family and colleagues (stay at home, use individual utensils).

Vaccination is globally recognized as the most effective way to strengthen immunity against influenza and COVID-19. Flu vaccination is recommended every season. The flu vaccine, made in Korea or France, can be purchased at a pharmacy. Both vaccines have passed state quality control.

In addition, all regions are provided with free COVID-19 vaccine. You can get vaccinated at vaccination points or in an outpatient clinic by making an appointment with your family doctor. Doctors use Janssen (manufactured by Johnson & Johnson) and Comirnaty (manufactured by Pfizer) vaccines. There is also a COVID-19 vaccine available for children from the age of 5 (Pfizer - Comirnaty vaccine for children).

Vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 can be done simultaneously, the Ministry of Health reminds.

Ігор Льов