Similarities and sifferences between flu and COVID-19

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (U.S.). Division of Viral Diseases.
• Description:
  What is the difference between Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19?
  
  Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.
  
  While more is learned every day, there is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it. This page compares COVID-19 and flu, given the best available information to date.
  
  
• Content Notes:
  Signs and Symptoms -- How long symptoms appear after exposure and infection -- How long someone can spread the virus -- How it Spreads -- People at High-Risk for Severe Illness -- Complications -- Approved Treatments -- Vaccine.
• Subjects:
  Coronavirus Infections COVID-19 Disease Outbreaks Influenza, Human Influenza Vaccines
• Document Type:
  Webpage
• Collection(s):
  Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:4e8282cc10a068742372fd41a807034f04532a0c292e2545339132a2c3e1337d
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/93173/cdc_93173_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 472.18 KB ]