COVID-19 vs. the Flu | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Infectious Diseases

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Updated on July 29, 2022

Influenza (the flu) and COVID-19, the illness caused by the pandemiccoronavirus, are both contagious respiratory illnesses, meaning they affect your lungs and breathing, and can be spread to others. Although the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can look similar, the two illnesses are caused by different viruses.

Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins, explains how the flu and COVID-19 are similar and how they are different.

COVID-19:There are several COVID-19 vaccines recommended by the CDC. It is also important to receive a booster when you are eligible.

Flu:A vaccine is available and effective in preventing some of the most dangerous types or to reduce the severity or duration of the flu. The flu vaccine is reformulated every year in anticipation of the influenza strains that are expected to circulate. It is very important to get vaccinated for the flu as the COVID pandemic continues.

In most cases, serious disease and death due to COVID-19 or the flu can bepreventedbyvaccines. In addition,mask-wearing, frequent and thorough hand washing, coughing into the crook of your elbow, staying home when sick and limiting contact with people who are infected are effective safety precautions.Physical distancinglimits the spread of COVID-19 and flu in communities.

With flu season here amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, what are the differences between COVID-19 and the flu? How can you protect yourself and your family from both illnesses? Get these and other questions answered by Johns Hopkins Medicine infectious diseases experts from our Nov 12 Facebook Live event: Staying Safe from the Flu and COVID-19 This Winter.

With flu season here amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, what are the differences between COVID-19 and the flu? How can you protect yourself and your family from both illnesses? Get these and other questions answered by Johns Hopkins Medicine infectious diseases experts from our Nov 12 Facebook Live event: Staying Safe from the Flu and COVID-19 This Winter.

COVID-19: Caused by the 2019 coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2. There are different SARS-CoV-2 that have some differences in how severe or transmissible they are.

Flu: Caused by the influenza virus. There are two main types of influenza virus called influenza A and influenza B. Different strains of influenza A and influenza B emerge and circulate each year.

COVID-19: Many people infected with the coronavirus do not feel sick or have only mild symptoms, but they can still transmit the coronavirus to other people. Review thefull list of symptoms.

COVID-19 can sometimes cause a person to suddenly lose their sense of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia). This rarely occurs with flu, but it can occur with certain strains of the virus.

Flu:Flu does not typically affect a persons sense of smell or taste, but otherwise has many symptoms similar to COVID-19 Rarely, as during the 1918 flu pandemic, a certain influenza strain does cause many people to lose their sense of taste or smell.

While different treatments may be used for COVID-19 and the flu, both are treated by addressing symptoms, such as reducing fever. Severe cases may require hospitalization and very ill patients may need a ventilator a machine that helps them breathe.For some patients, medicationsmay help lessen the symptoms and shorten the duration of COVID-19 or flu.

COVID-19: Treatment for COVID-19 depends on the severity of the infection. For milder illness, resting at home and taking medicine to reduce fever is often sufficient. More severe cases may require hospitalization, with treatment that might include intravenous medications, supplemental oxygen, assisted ventilation and other supportive measures.

Flu: Oral antiviral medications can address symptoms and sometimes shorten the duration of the illness. Because they are given by mouth, these antiviral therapies can be prescribed for patients at home or in the hospital.

COVID-19: The development of complications, includinglong-term damageto thelungs,heart,kidneys,brainand other organs and a variety of long-lasting symptoms, is possible after a case of COVID-19.

Flu: Influenza complications can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscles (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), and multi-organ failure. Secondary bacterial infections, particularly pneumonia, can occur following a bout of influenza infection.

COVID-19:The first cases appeared in China in late 2019, and the first confirmed case in the United States appeared in January 2020.

Current COVID-19 infections*

Flu:The World Health Organization estimates that1 billion people worldwide get the flu every year.

COVID-19:Current COVID-19 deaths*

Flu:The World Health Organization estimates that290,000 to 650,000 people die of flu-related causesevery year worldwide.

The COVID-19 situation continues to change, sometimes rapidly. Doctors and scientists are working to estimate the mortality rate of COVID-19. At present, it is thought to be substantially higher (possibly 10 times or more) than that of most strains of the flu.

*This information comes from theCoronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases map developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering.

Stay up to date with coronavirus vaccinations and boosters. Visit the CDC site for vaccination and booster details.

Learn more aboutcoronavirus vaccine safetyandwhat you need to know about the COVID vaccines.

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COVID-19 vs. the Flu | Johns Hopkins Medicine