You break out into a sweat: is it the flu or COVID-19?

The truth is that both illnesses, the flu (caused by the influenza virus) and COVID-19 (caused by the coronavirus), are infectious respiratory illnesses. Symptoms may be similar, but different viruses cause these particular illnesses.

Similar symptoms include fever, cough, bodily aches and fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Both conditions cause symptoms that range from mild to severe and can lead to pneumonia. In a small percentage of instances, either one of these conditions can lead to death.

Say it, Don’t Spray It!

Now, where it gets tricky is when we talk about transmission. Both viruses are spread from person to person via droplets or spittle when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or merely is talking, with the droplets landing on the mouth or in the nose of a person within close proximity.

COVID-19 Airborne?

Some research suggests that the difference between these viruses is that COVID-19 may be spread via an airborne route. This means that the droplets are smaller and can travel farther distances, lingering longer in the air than droplets expelled by a person infected with the influenza virus. It’s important to note that the jury is still out on whether or not the coronavirus is spread via airborne routes.

However, what both viruses have in common is that they can be spread unwittingly from person to person several days before symptoms appear.

Bacterial Versus Viral Infections 

Infections caused by viruses are treated differently than those caused by bacterial infections. Quite simply, antibiotics are ineffective for treating conditions caused by viruses, like the flu or COVID-19.

Prevention is Key

For COVID-19 sufferers, symptoms can be addressed to provide some comfort, but that’s the only real relief available. What’s critical is preventing the spread of the virus through handwashing, social distancing, and wearing a face-covering when in public.

If you feel that you have COVID-19 or the flu, click here to make an appointment for a telemedicine appointment. All suspected COVID-19 cases will be directed to a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site.

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Basically, bacteria are everywhere. They’re in the air we breathe, living on your skin, and on everything we touch. Most bacteria are harmless with only 1% of bacteria causing disease, according to the Mayo Clinic; however, they can make you really sick, just ask someone who has had strep throat.
If you feel like you’re getting sick, go see your provider to determine if it’s a virus or a bacterial infection. The two can share similar symptoms and there are instances where illnesses can be caused by either bacteria or viruses, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and diarrhea.
Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history and do a physical exam. He or she may also order a blood or urine test to help identify the infection. It may be a necessary step for determining a suitable treatment.

You could be doing yourself more harm than good by arbitrarily popping an antibiotic when you feel under the weather. That’s because antibiotics can’t differentiate between “good” and “bad” bacteria. We have good bacteria in our intestines that aid with digestion and help to obliterate disease-fighting microbes. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Both viral and bacterial infections start with exposure to infected people or contact with contaminated surfaces, food or water. Although it’s impossible for us to live in a bubble, a good start to avoiding sickness is to practice a dedicated handwashing regimen: wet, lather, scrub (20 seconds), rinse, and dry.

Drop by your neighborhood Quick Care Med if you’re feeling under the weather. We offer extended hours and 10 locations to provide the best care possible to get you back on your feet and feeling better. Visit our locations page for your closest urgent care.

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