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What are the similarities and differences between COVID-19 and influenza virus?
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, more data is accumulating about the similarities and differences between COVIS-19 and influenza. Both cause respiratory illness, but there are important differences between the two viruses and how they spread.
How are COVID-19 and influenza viruses similar?
First, COVID-19 and influenza viruses have a similar disease pattern. They both cause respiratory diseases that range from asymptomatic or mild to severe forms that threaten life and health.
Secondly, both viruses are transmitted by contact and airborne transmission, resulting in similar public health measures such as handwashing and wearing a mask.
How are COVID-19 and influenza viruses different?
Transmission speed is an important difference between the two viruses. Influenza has a shorter incubation period (time from infection to onset of symptoms) and a shorter serial interval (time between consecutive cases) than the COVID-19 virus. The serial interval for the COVID-19 virus is 5-6 days, while for the influenza virus this figure is 3 days. This suggests that the flu may spread faster than COVID-19.
