How to distinguish influenza from COVID-19?

Influenza generally refers to influenza, while COVID-19 usually refers to novel coronavirus infection. The differences between influenza and novel coronavirus infection include etiology, incubation period and symptoms.

1. Etiology:

(1) Influenza: Influenza is usually caused by influenza virus infection.

(2) novel coronavirus infection: novel coronavirus infection is mainly caused by novel coronavirus infection.

2. incubation period:

(1) influenza: the incubation period of influenza is usually 1-7 days, mostly 2-4 days.

(2) novel coronavirus infection: At present, it is considered that the incubation period of novel coronavirus infection is 1-14 days, mostly 3-7 days.

3. Symptoms:

(1) Influenza: generally acute onset, with fatigue symptoms in the prodromal stage, followed by systemic symptoms such as high fever, chills, and muscle aches all over the body, with or without local symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and dry cough.

(2) novel coronavirus infection: There is usually no obvious precursor to this disease. Most patients are mainly characterized by fever, dry cough and fatigue. Due to individual differences, some patients may also have symptoms such as muscle pain, chest tightness, sore throat, diarrhea and abnormal taste.

When the above-mentioned discomfort symptoms appear, it is suggested to go to the hospital in time, improve the relevant examination according to the doctor's advice, clarify the cause and standardize the treatment, so as not to delay the illness.