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With all eyes on the coronavirus epidemic, which already leaves a balance of 33 affected in Spain, many wonder about the differences and similarities between this pathogen and another known and usual old man of these dates: the influenza virus . What things do they have in common? Can they be easily differentiated?

Symptoms of coronavirus and influenza

Many of the symptoms of both infections are similar. Both cause fever, cough, fatigue or headache and sore throat . However, it also seems that those affected by one disease or another have certain peculiarities. "What we are seeing, at the moment, is that the flu frequently causes muscle pain, myalgias . However, this symptom is not being seen in most coronavirus infections," explains Jordi Reina, head of the Virology unit from the Son Espases Hospital of Mallorca.

"We also have data that say that, in the case of Covid-19 , a dry cough, without expectoration , occurs in the vast majority of cases , " explains Antoni Trilla, head of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology at the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona , who also clarifies that the pneumonia associated with coronavirus infection is usually the result of an evolution of the disease, associated with the pathogen itself. On the other hand, pneumonia associated with a flu is usually caused by superinfection with other pathogens, such as bacteria.

Transmission of each virus

Both diseases are also transmitted by respiratory route . When an affected person coughs or sneezes, he releases small droplets that contain the pathogen. These drops do not stay long in the air, but they can be deposited in objects that, if touched, contribute to the spread of viruses.

In any case, it does appear that the coronavirus has a greater transmission capacity than the common flu. It is estimated that there is a contagion of about three individuals for each infected person, while in the case of the flu this transmission reaches one or two people.

Lethality

According to estimates, the common flu lethality rate is around 0.1% . On the other hand, the lethality of the coronavirus exceeds 2% in China and it has been estimated that it is around 0.7% outside the original outbreak.

"We don't know exactly why these differences are due," explains Reina. "It is investigating whether it may be due to differences in healthcare or a genetic component is also involved," adds the virologist.

Both in the case of influenza and in Wuhan's coronavirus, the people most at risk of dying and suffering complications due to the infection are the elderly and people with a picture of previous pathologies or immunosuppression.

Figures

According to estimates by the World Health Organization, annual influenza epidemics cause 3-5 million serious cases and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths. Instead, to date, Wuhan's new coronavirus has infected more than 83,000 people and has caused almost 2,900 deaths.

Coronavirus and influenza prevention

The measures to prevent infection are also similar in both viruses.

"If you asked me for suggestions to prevent this virus, I would give similar advice as to a flu: wash your hands frequently, don't touch your face with your hands ... in the absence of a vaccine, and even if scientifically it is not the same as the flu, the principles Basic prevention measures are the same, "the director of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said Thursday at a press conference.

The recommendation is Jordi Vila, head of the Department of Microbiology at the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. "Washing your hands is the most effective and cheap measure against pathogens," says the specialist, who recommends using soap and water and, if possible, also an alcoholic disinfectant solution.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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