COVID-19

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory viruses

Fever or feeling feverish/chills

Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue (tiredness)

Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle pain or body aches

COVID-19 is caused SARS-CoV-2, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.

FLU: Typically, a person develops symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection.

COVID-19: Typically, a person develops symptoms 5 days after being infected, but the time range can vary.

Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.

Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Most experts think that COVID-19 is spread mainly by droplets made when people with the virus cough, sneeze or talk.

COVID-19 spreads less commonly through contact with contaminated surfaces

COVID-19 rarely spreads between people and animals

Both COVID-19 and flu can result in complications, including:

Pneumonia; Respiratory failure; Acute respiratory distress syndrome (fluid in the lungs)

Sepsis (overreaction of immune system to fight the virus)

Cardiac injury (for example, heart attacks and stroke)

Multiple-organ failure (respiratory failure, kidney failure, shock)

Worsening of chronic medical conditions (involving the lungs, heart, or nervous system or diabetes)

Secondary bacterial infections