Coronavirus: Why are flu symptoms confusing people

Amid coronavirus pandemic, the rise in the number of flu and viral cases has added more fuel to the fire. While in the pre-COVID era, a mild flu or common cold would not have been a matter of concern, since the onset of COVID-19, people have become more concerned and cautious about the same. Due to the overlapping symptoms and the thin line between the two respiratory illness, it is extremely difficult to tell COVID symptoms apart from the flu. This certainly has lead to many confusions, leaving people worried and confused.

The novel coronavirus continues to pose unprecedented challenge to our health and mental well-being. But recent surge in flu cases globally has added to the woes of many people and medical professionals.

While the flu season last year was said to be mild, thanks to the lockdowns, mask mandates, social distancing and proper hygienic practices, this year it has only increased, even with vaccines at our rescue. Given that we're more aware about the virus now, have a vaccine to protect ourselves, experts believe that people are more relaxed and less vigilant. This in turn has lead to a surge in the flu cases amid COVID-19.

Read more: Coronavirus vaccination: Why COVID-19 could become similar to the Flu

Flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory viruses that may differ in their degree of risks, but are transmitted through aerosol droplets, causing infections in the respiratory route either directly by contact or through a contaminated surface.

The major different between flu and COVID-19 is the extent of its severity and how fast it can travel. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than the flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people, whereas people infected with the flu recover in a few days.

Flu and COVID symptoms may overlap, but there are some ailments that may act as primary differentiators. Symptoms like shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell or taste are common with COVID-19, but not the flu. Similarly, headaches, nausea are less prevalent in COVID-19 patients, but they're a classic symptom of the flu.

However, due to the virus mutations and emergence of new variants, experts emphasize on the unpredictability of the virus and how COVID symptoms may have changed over the course of time.

COVID-19 and flu are both primarily respiratory illnesses that showcase the similar symptoms, which is why people find it difficult to differentiate between the two. While the former is more dangerous and deadlier, a rising number of flu cases has become a source of worry.

Read more: Flu and viral fever cases surge across India: Can COVID-19 measures lower your risk?

Both these infections spread mainly by respiratory droplets released while coughing and sneezing. But while COVID is more transmissible, even talking and singing can lead to transmission.

When it comes to differentiating between COVID and flu, people have found it extremely difficult, considering both trigger almost the same set of symptoms, including fever, chills, cough, body aches, fatigue, runny nose and sore throat. Now, given that the flu season is more severe this year, people developing symptoms ought to feel a bit dazed and confused. It is hard to tell the difference and may induce more panic than ever.

COVID vaccines have been a source of relief for many. Clinical trials have found that the vaccine doses prove effective against the virus and its variants, making sure people are safe and protected from severe illnesses.

However, there have been increasing cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated individuals. Breakthrough cases have surged in and around the world and many experts hold the Delta variant responsible for it. This has lead to more confusion than ever. According to the data collected from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study app, fully vaccinated individuals when infected with COVID, report different set of symptoms. Some of them are as follows.

- Headache

- Runny nose

- Sneezing

- Sore throat

- Loss of smell and taste

Other than loss of smell and taste, headache, runny nose, sneezing and sore throat are classic symptoms of flu, making it more difficult for people to differentiate between COVID and flu.

At a time, when COVID vaccines have become the need of the hour, it is extremely important that you get yourself vaccinated. However, there is no way you can rely on COVID vaccines alone for protection against the Flu.

That said, it is crucial that you get your flu shots in time and urge others to do the same. While initially, with experts asking people to refrain from other vaccinations, there were many restrictions in respect to the COVID vaccines.

But now, after many researches and studies, health bodies like the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have said that it is completely safe to get your COVID vaccines and flu shots at the same time.

Read more: Coronavirus: Can you get COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot together? Are there benefits?

While vaccinations - both against the Flu and COVID-19 - is important, wearing your masks, maintaining social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene is crucial. COVID-19 or flu, both are transmissible diseases, which can go on to infect others.

Given that nationwide lockdowns helped curb both coronavirus and flu illnesses initially, it is important that you continue to stay vigilant and take all precautionary measures.