New Delhi: Over time, we’ve become so familiar with COVID-19 that people often talk about it like it’s just another viral fever, cold, or flu. While it’s true that COVID-19 is caused by a virus and shares some similar symptoms, it’s not the same as every other viral infection. Understanding the difference is important so we can take the right precautions and stay safe. Dr Srivatsa Lokeshwaran, Lead Consultant – Interventional Pulmonologist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, answered FAQs on the difference between viral and COVID.
What’s the difference between a viral infection and COVID-19?
A viral infection is a general term used for any illness caused by a virus, like the flu, common cold, or even measles. COVID-19, on the other hand, is a specific type of viral infection caused by a new virus called SARS-CoV-2. So, while every case of COVID-19 is a viral infection, not all viral infections are COVID-19. What made COVID-19 stand out was how quickly it spread, how serious it could get, and the long-term health issues it caused in some people.
What symptoms do viral infections and COVID-19 have in common?
Both viral infections and COVID-19 can cause:
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Body aches
In some cases, you might also feel sick to your stomach or have diarrhea, especially in children. These overlapping symptoms can make it hard to tell the difference without a proper test.
How do the symptoms of a cold, flu, and COVID-19 differ?
A common cold usually comes with a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat. Fever is rare, and symptoms are generally mild. The flu tends to come on quickly and can cause a high fever, chills, muscle aches, and extreme tiredness. COVID-19 can feel like the flu, but it may also cause loss of taste or smell, trouble breathing, and fatigue that lasts longer than usual. It can also lead to more serious complications like pneumonia or long-term health issues.
Is COVID-19 more contagious than the cold or flu?
Yes. COVID-19 has generally been more contagious than both the cold and the seasonal flu, especially certain variants like Delta and Omicron. One of the main reasons it spread so fast is that people could pass it on before they even showed symptoms or without having any symptoms at all.
Do flu or COVID-19 vaccines protect against all viral infections?
No, these vaccines are made to protect against specific viruses. The flu vaccine protects against influenza viruses.
The COVID-19 vaccine protects against the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). They don’t protect against other viruses like the common cold, RSV, or stomach bugs. However, they do greatly reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications from the viruses they target.
Why was COVID-19 called a pandemic, but the flu isn’t?
COVID-19 was called a pandemic because it was a brand-new virus that spread quickly across the world. People had no immunity, and there was no vaccine at first. The flu, on the other hand, is a known seasonal illness. Vaccines already exist for it, and many people have some level of immunity. A pandemic is declared when a new infectious disease spreads across countries and continents in a short time and becomes a major public health concern.
Yes, COVID-19 is a viral infection, and it shares many symptoms with viral fevers or the flu. But it also has unique traits that set it apart. Knowing the differences helps us make smarter choices and take better care of our health.
COVID-19 was called a pandemic because it was a brand-new virus that spread quickly across the world. People had no immunity, and there was no vaccine at first. The flu, on the other hand, is a known seasonal illness. Vaccines already exist for it, and many people have some level of immunity. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
