What is the Difference Between the Flu and COVID-19?

With the arrival of winter, flu cases have started to spread rapidly in addition to COVID-19 cases. The symptoms of COVID-19, which once presented differently from the flu, are now almost identical to those of the flu, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. Dr. Elif Hakko, an Infectious Diseases Specialist at Anadolu Medical Center, emphasizes that the only way to distinguish between flu and COVID-19 is to get a test. She also advises continuing to take precautions to avoid both illnesses, such as maintaining mask-wearing, social distancing, and hygiene rules, and avoiding closed and crowded spaces. Dr. Hakko also points out that the Omicron variant is much more contagious than other COVID-19 variants and is currently particularly widespread among children and young people. She states, “COVID-19 is now spreading much more easily in families. Being vaccinated or having previously had COVID-19 does not prevent getting sick but helps in having a milder illness. Omicron’s milder course may be related to its prevalence in children and young people or the effect of vaccines. However, immunocompromised individuals, those with chronic diseases, and the elderly are still at risk and have a higher chance of experiencing a severe form of Omicron. It's wrong to relax or loosen precautions just because the illness seems mild; it could still result in a severe case.”

The Similarities Between COVID-19 and Flu Symptoms
There is now little difference between the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu, and the only way to differentiate them is by getting a test. Both viruses share common symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, joint pain, and headaches. At one point, COVID-19 showed additional symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of smell and taste, difficulty concentrating, and confusion, but these are now rarely observed, especially in vaccinated individuals. Therefore, it is important to get a PCR test instead of trying to diagnose yourself at home to determine which illness you have.

Stricter Adherence to Masks and Protective Measures Due to the Omicron Variant

Like COVID-19, flu viruses spread through droplets. These droplets are released when a person sneezes, coughs, blows their nose, or even talks. The Omicron variant, in particular, spreads much more easily if three months have passed since the last vaccine dose. Therefore, we must adhere strictly to mask-wearing and social distancing rules. It is important to avoid indoor spaces and not make contact with anyone who is not wearing a mask. When diagnosed, we should not neglect getting vaccinated. Vaccination is the only way to protect ourselves from this pandemic.

Dr. Elif Hakko provides the following recommendations for preventing both flu and COVID-19 and stopping their spread:

• Wear your mask covering your nose and chin when you go outside.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Maintain social distance, keeping at least 3-4 steps away from others.
• Avoid touching your mouth, face, eyes, or nose with your hands.
• Avoid crowded and enclosed spaces as much as possible, stay away from sick individuals, and avoid contact.
• Regularly disinfect the surfaces you touch.
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue, not into your hands.
• If you are sick, stay at home.