WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN SYMPTOMS BETWEEN THE FLU AND CORONAVIRUS?

Understanding differences in symptoms between the two illnesses might help 

you understand exactly what you’re dealing with when you or a loved one becomes ill. Of

 course, we always recommend seeking a professional opinion when you’re sick.

There are many commonalities between coronavirus symptoms and flu symptoms. 

However, with so little known about the new coronavirus, it is extremely difficult to 

delineate differences that would help a layperson identify which illness they have without proper testing.

Coronavirus:

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), common symptoms of coronavirus infection include:

·         Fever

·         Cough

·         Fatigue

·         Shortness of breath

·         Breathing difficulties

In severe cases, symptoms become more advanced:

·         Severe acute respiratory syndrome

·         Kidney failure pneumonia

·         Death

To highlight the difficulty of accurately describing coronavirus symptoms, around 5% of cases report a sore throat and runny nose, while a small percentage also report diarrhoea and vomiting.

Influenza:

Influenza has been widely researched and most Australians are probably already familiar with its symptoms. However, according to WHO, they can include:

·         Fever (often with abrupt onset)

·         Chills

·         Sore throat

·         Cough

·         Headache

·         Muscle pain