​What is the difference between COVID-19 and Influenza (Flu)?
COVID-19 and Influenza (Flu) are both contagious respiratory illnesses 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 the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.
Both COVID-19 and flu symptoms can range from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms.
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Symptoms
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FLU
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COVID-19
|
|
Fever or feeling feverish/chills
|
frequent
|
frequent
|
|
Cough
|
frequent
|
frequent
|
|
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
|
not often
|
frequent
|
|
Fatigue (tiredness)
|
frequent
|
frequent
|
|
Sore throat
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frequent
|
not often
|
|
Runny or stuffy nose
|
sometimes
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not often
|
|
Muscle pain or body aches
|
frequent
|
frequent
|
|
Headache
|
sometimes
|
sometimes
|
|
Vomiting and diarrhea
|
rare*
|
sometimes
|
|
Loss of taste or smell
|
not described
|
sometimes
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*More common in children than adults
