With a sudden change in the season and the influx of viruses circulating right now, there has been a rampant increase in seasonal flu cases, just as we started to worry a little less about the COVID. What’s also concerning is that this time around, the flu cases are much more severe, appearing like a “terrible cold” and lasting longer than usual.
Seasonal flu also has many symptoms common with COVID-19
As we know, seasonal flu also has many common symptoms with COVID-19. Which means that it can be almost impossible to differentiate or be confused about your infections.
In some of the cases, the confusion has also led to a late or incorrect diagnosis by some doctors.
But how exactly do you know if what the patient had was just the flu or a COVID infection?
Similarities Between COVID and Flu
Both COVID-19 and the flu are infections caused by incredibly contagious viruses. Which tend to cause many respiratory symptoms, which is usually the reason why it can be difficult to differentiate mainly between the two viral ailments at those times.
What also makes it very easy to confuse symptoms, right now, is the way COVID cases arise. Even after getting vaccinated, people with progressive COVID have a milder form of infection, which tends to feel like a cold or flu.
At this time they stay longer than usual and cause terrible symptoms.
This year’s flu season is on the rise, and for those affected, the intensity and duration of the infection can be severe and last a long time.
Lack of exposure we have to the flu
While extremely serious cases can have many underlying causes (such as age and comorbidities). One of the reasons flu symptoms can last a long time is the lack of exposure we have to the flu, thanks to the COVID outbreak.
Generally, we are all exposed to the virus that causes the flu and we tend to gain some level of natural immunity (even without contracting the infection). But in the past two years, the level of exposure has been minimal, thus causing a severe outbreak.
Some of the symptoms could also persist for longer, as there is a risk of developing a long-term flu, just like long-term COVID. Post-viral malaise could cause many to suffer from ongoing symptoms such as body aches, pains, fever, fatigue, giving the impression that the flu infection has a prolonged course.
If you notice that the fever in the patient does not go away after 3-4 days, it is possible that the infection is from COVID.
Some other symptoms or signs of worsening, such as chest pain, could also be more common with a COVID infection. On the other hand, what you should also be aware of in the patient is the possible infections around him.
Be very careful about the symptoms your patients experience and don’t let your guard down.
If the patient had COVID, the chances of the infection spreading to household members are higher, compared to flu transmission rates. Experiencing a change or loss of smell is also a more likely symptom of showing up with COVID.
If you are not vaccinated against COVID-19, it is also more likely that as a doctor, you will encounter more worrisome symptoms than usual, such as shortness of breath, nausea, mental confusion and extreme fatigue.
Oxygen saturation or fluctuations will also occur more frequently with COVID cases, so be very careful about the symptoms your patients experience and don’t let your guard down.
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