As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are left wondering whether they have influenza or coronavirus. While both illnesses can cause similar symptoms, there are key differences to look out for.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), typical symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Some symptoms of influenza and coronavirus are similar, including a dry cough and fever. However, coronavirus more often causes shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, a sign to seek immediate medical attention.
On the other hand, influenza causes aches, fatigue, headache, and chills, which appear less common with the coronavirus. Influenza symptoms tend to be abrupt and worsen in a day or two, whereas coronavirus symptoms may be more gradual and may take several days to show and get worse.
Published on March 16, 2020, a review study on the coronavirus shows that about 83 to 98 per cent of hospitalized patients developed a fever, 76 to 82 per cent a dry cough, and 11 to 44 per cent fatigue or muscle aches.
Other symptoms, including headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, have been reported but are less common. If you are unsure about your situation, you are advised to seek help from government emergency teams on standby and health experts.
For assistance, contact the Ministry of Health's emergency teams on hotlines 0729 471414 and 0732 353535.
