When the throat scratches, the nose runs and the limbs hurt in the rainy season as we are in now, the reason for this is in many cases a simple cold. If there is a fever and fatigue, it can also be a flu. But those who are currently plagued by such symptoms often think in a completely different direction. Could it be that I got infected with Coronavirus?

Fever is one of the most common symptoms of Covid-19, according to a WHO study that evaluated 55,924 laboratory-confirmed cases. It occurred in 87.9 percent of all cases. Dry cough is also common (67.7 percent), followed by fatigue (38.1 percent) and shortness of breath (18.6 percent). Even if these symptoms occur in combination, it does not mean that a person has Coronavirus disease. Because with the exception of shortness of breath, these symptoms are also typical for flu.

The main differences are between the pathogens and how they spread. This has important implications for public health measures that can be implemented to respond to both types of viruses. Those who suffer from COVID-19 show symptoms similar to those who have been infected with influenza viruses. Both cause respiratory problems with cough and fever. Many infected people show no symptoms.

Both viruses (the new corona virus and influenza viruses) are transmitted through contact, droplets and germ carriers. Therefore, the same public health measures to prevent infection apply to both Covid-19 and flu;

1. Proper hand washing
2. Coughing or Sneezing into the Elbow

The transmission speed is an important difference between the two viruses. Influenza has a shorter mean incubation period. Incubation time is the time from infection to the onset of symptoms. Influenza viruses are particularly common after the first three to five days of illness, where you may not have any symptoms yet.

Influenza and Covid-19 are primarily a danger for people with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or patients with a weakened lung, as well as for people with chronic underlying diseases and people whose immune system is suppressed with medication for medical reasons, for example in rheumatism patients.

Covid-19 also appears to be particularly dangerous for older people aged 65 and over. Our parents should therefore be particularly careful. In contrast, children are more at risk of influenza than of Covid-19.

With the relaxation of lockdown and the fear associated with coronavirus which is justified, PriviTest encourages social distancing, 6feet apart than 6feet below, proper and regular handwashing or the use of Sanitizer, correct and proper use of facemask.

As the article attempted to explain that not all Covid 19 like symptoms are due to coronavirus, it might just be due to Flu considering we are in the rainy season.

Together we will defeat this Pandemic.
God bless Nigeria

Chieyine Nelson blogs at Privi Test

Reference: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/who-china-joint-mission-on-covid-19-final-report.pdf

Cc: Sissy3, dominique