Whether it’s the coronavirus or the flu, there are clear similarities between the two. But, let’s start with an introduction to the newcomer…
So, what is it exactly?
Coronaviruses represent a family of viruses mainly affecting certain animals. Sometimes these viruses cause mild respiratory diseases in patients, but (rarely) it is the cause of severe symptoms.
The new virus was first discovered in infected humans in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019 and may be easily confused with the flu. The common symptoms for both are fever, fatigue, dry cough, and shortness of breath.
The new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, affects bronchi and lungs. That is why patients with the disease, COVID-19, do not have symptoms of a common cold. There might not be a runny nose and sneezing. Instead, the process flows in lung and bronchi inflammation, with subsequent worsening of breathing. Weakness, tiredness, and feeling pressure on the chest are common signs and need to be revised.
The flu is one of the most contagious infections. A small amount of Influenza virus causes fever, fatigue, dry cough, and muscle aches. If an infected person sneezes or coughs around you, be attentive. There is a risk of developing a high fever in one or two days. The airborne way of infection applies to viruses causing cold too. Yet, for COVID-19 there is no unified point of view. Dirty hands, food, and water are considered to be a cause for infection just like the air.
Once a person is infected, the symptoms will appear after 2-14 days. There is not enough information yet on how high the fever can be. Some patients may have a normal temperature, yet experience diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Respiratory viral infections are not life-threatening if there are no further complications. If left untreated, both Influenza and Coronavirus can lead to pneumonia – inflammation of lung tissue.
Most teenagers and young adults tolerate respiratory infections and can fully recover in a few days.
However, elderly people and patients with chronic diseases have a higher risk of complications. If a person is pregnant, has heart disease or diabetes, he might need more attention.
Is the coronavirus treatable?
Yes, it is, even though there is no specific antiviral drug (like for many other respiratory viruses!) as of yet. However, there are numerous pharmaceutical companies testing experimental drug cocktails, including drugs such as lopinavir and ritonavir, which have yielded positive results. Patients have recovered within 24-48 hours with the drugs, and the natural recovery rate is much higher than the mortality rate.
The main course includes symptomatic remedies for fever, pain, cough. It is important to stay in the hospital under the surveillance of the doctors. Hospital staff will take care of you and help to avoid developing complications.
Viral pneumonia is a serious complication and it is not usually treated by antibiotics unless to prevent bacterial co-infection. However, doctors focus on restoring lung function and preventing further respiratory damage. For example, if a patient experiences respiratory insufficiency doctors will use ventilation machines.
Prevention is a simple way to minimize the risk of being infected.
What can we do to prevent being infected?
There is no vaccine for the new coronavirus yet, although it might be available toward the end of 2020. What you can do, against the coronavirus and the flu, is to annually receive a flu vaccination, which protects you from seasonal Influenza, reducing the risk of having a weakened immune system prior to being infected with SARS-CoV-2. This procedure is especially recommended for people with weak immunity due to chronic diseases and for those frequently traveling.
Simple steps in preserving hygiene will be useful. Be sure to have a mask on when visiting a crowded place. Do not touch it when it is in use. Change it as it becomes wet or dirty, wear a new one. Never use the same mask twice. After each procedure wash your hands. Apply sanitizers/antiseptics on your hands and frequently-used objects regularly. Remember, the coronavirus and the flu are both viruses. They mutate. There is no cause for panic, but as with any virus, or bacteria, the safest course of action is to wash your hands as often as possible!
