Covid-19 or flu?Recognising your symptoms

SE-ANNE RALL

HOW does one differentiate between flu and Covid-19?

According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), flu and Covid-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses.

“Covid-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus first identified in 2019, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses,” the CDC said.

Flu symptoms

• fever or feeling feverish/chills

• cough

• sore throat

• runny or stuffy nose

• muscle or body aches

• headaches

• fatigue (tiredness)

Some may have vomiting and diarrhoea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Covid-19 symptoms

• fever or chills

• cough

• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• fatigue

• muscle or body aches

• headache

• new loss of taste or smell

• sore throat

• congestion or runny nose

• nausea or vomiting

• diarrhoea

Medical epidemiologist at the Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis Dr Sibongile Walaza added that although most people with flu will present with mild illness, it may cause severe illness which may require hospitalisation or result in death.

If you have any difficulty breathing or moving about, contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately. | IOL

If you’re unsure if you’ve contracted Covid or have the flu, here’s a guide of what symptoms to look out for. | MUFID MAJNUN Unsplash