Seasonal Flu or Coronavirus?

Just as it poses a significant threat around the world, it does so in our country as well. Pulmonologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgür Karacan, noting that the disease spreads from person to person via droplet infection and that its transmission rate is very high, stated: "Symptoms usually begin to appear about 5 days after a person is exposed to the virus (incubation periods ranging from 2 to 14 days have been reported). These incubation periods and transmission characteristics are also seen in other viral diseases and seasonal flu." Karacan went on to explain how to distinguish Covid-19 from seasonal flu.

"The most commonly observed symptoms are fever above 38°C (100.4°F) and dry cough"

In Covid-19, high fever (> 38°C / 100.4°F), sore throat, and dry cough are the most commonly observed symptoms. Karacan noted that "Although less common, sneezing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, loss of taste and smell, and eye redness are also observed," and added that in the most severe Covid-19-related pneumonia cases, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing, cyanosis (bluish discoloration), and bloody sputum may develop. Such a variable clinical picture can cause confusion with seasonal flu (Influenza A – H3N2 and other Influenza strains) and allergic rhinitis.

"Allergic rhinitis is distinguished by itching in the nose and eyes"

Karacan, noting that people with allergic rhinitis tend to experience milder symptoms during the same period every year, stated: "Itching and burning in the nose and eyes, watering, sneezing, a tickling sensation in the throat… Those with a history of allergies recognize these symptoms, and their symptoms disappear when they take allergy medication. In Covid-19 patients, however, allergy medications do not reduce symptoms."

"Seasonal flu usually resolves within a week"

Although severe symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue are observed in seasonal flu, Karacan stated that symptoms generally resolve within a week, and noted that the risk of developing pneumonia is very rare — and therefore shortness of breath, chest pain, cyanosis, and rapid breathing are not typically observed. Karacan added: "Due to the possibility of confusion with seasonal flu, the Ministry of Health's home treatment protocol for Covid-19 has also included a seasonal flu medication. If a patient's illness lasts longer than one week and does not improve despite medication use, Covid-19 should be suspected."

While the risk groups for seasonal flu include young children, elderly patients, those with suppressed immune systems, and those with chronic illnesses, Covid-19 has been reported less frequently in children under the age of 10. High blood pressure poses a significantly greater risk in Covid-19 than in seasonal flu.