As winter approaches, it becomes even more important to clarify the differences between Virus, Flu and Covid-19.
\nAll three are diseases that affect the respiratory system and have symptoms in common.
\nDespite the similarities, there are also differences that, when understood, can help bring clarity and peace of mind. <\/p>\n
Influenza is an acute viral disease that predominantly affects the respiratory tract.
\nIt is caused by viruses from the Orthomyxoviridae family, which includes the viruses influenza A, B and C. <\/p>\n
The flu <\/strong> has anincubation period of one to four days.<\/strong><\/p>\n The most common symptoms are fever, sore throat, body aches, intense fatigue and a moderate to severe cough.<\/strong><\/p>\n A viral infection, commonly known as a cold, is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by a virus, most of which are Rhinoviruses (a family with more than 100 serotypes). Rhinovirus infections are associated with symptoms that develop rapidly, peaking 2-3 days after infection<\/strong>, while respiratory syncytial virus infections are associated with symptoms that develop slowly over 5 or more days.<\/p>\n The most common symptoms are nasal congestion, sneezing and a sore throat, with a mild to moderate cough<\/strong>. COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, and has a clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe conditions.<\/p>\n The infection period (time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms) is currently considered to be 14 days<\/strong>. According to the World Health Organization, the majority (around 80%) of COVID-19 patients can be asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic (few symptoms).What are the most common symptoms?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Virus<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is it?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nIt is usually mild. <\/p>\nWhat is the incubation period?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What are the most common symptoms?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nThe cold tends to pass quickly and does not require any specific treatment. <\/p>\nCovid-19<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is it?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What is the incubation period?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n transmission by asymptomatic people (without symptoms) is still being investigated. <\/p>\nWhat are the most common symptoms?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nThe symptoms that have been most commonly reported in the detection of Covid-19 are fever, cough, altered sense of taste and smell and difficulty breathing<\/strong> (in more severe cases). <\/p>\n