Is It the Flu or COVID-19? How to Tell the Difference

Before the coronavirus pandemic, if you or a loved one had a fever, sore throat, coughing, muscle aches, and a general feeling of fatigue, you probably chalked it up to the flu. The miserable health condition that we commonly call “the flu” is a highly contagious respiratory illness that’s caused by one of the many influenza viruses, and it’s been around for hundreds of years. COVID-19, on the other hand, is a respiratory illness caused by infection with a new coronavirus, namely SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 causes symptoms that are similar to those of the flu, and like the flu, it’s easily spread from one person to another. Fortunately, in the case of both illnesses, most infected people will recover. However, although both the flu and COVID-19 can cause serious complications and even death, medical researchers say COVID-19 has a higher death rate than the flu.

If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, you’ll likely need medical testing to determine the cause. If you’re in Cape May County, New Jersey, you can get tested for the flu and/or COVID-19 at Cape Regional Urgent Care. For coronavirus detection, we offer both nasal swab testing and antibody serum testing seven days a week, and you can use our convenient “Save Your Spot” online appointment service to reserve your testing time.

A Comparison of COVID-19 and the Flu

COVID-19 is relatively new, having been first identified in late 2019. The symptoms reported to health agencies have varied widely, but one symptom reported by many patients distinguishes the new coronavirus from the flu: loss of taste and smell, usually temporary.  Additionally, many COVID-19 patients report having shortness of breath, which is possible but not as common with the flu.

Another big difference between the two diseases is in medical prevention and treatment. Although scientists are working to develop vaccines and effective treatment medication for COVID-19, none has been federally approved for widespread use. On the other hand, people have been encouraged to get a flu shot every year for decades, and medical professionals can treat the flu with FDA-approved antiviral drugs.

Prevention Methods

Some of the methods that work well to prevent infection from both viruses include:

• Frequent handwashing and/or use of hand sanitizer
• Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from other people
• Keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and promptly throwing the tissue in the trash

In addition to testing for COVID-19 and the flu, Cape Regional Urgent Care offers flu shots and flu treatment. Our rates are affordable, and we accept many health insurance plans. To learn more about our services, contact us today.