1. It could be Covid-19, or just common ﬂu...

SYMPTOMS

TRANSMISSION

TREATMENT

PREVENTION

2. Differences we know for sure

CAUSE

VACCINE

INFECTIONS

3.

4. What should you do if you want to get checked for Covid-19

NEW DELHI: Both coronavirus and common flu have many similar symptoms. So, don't panic. Here is how you can identify the similarities and differences.➤ Both cause fever, cough, fatigue; sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea➤ Can be mild or severe, even fatal in rare cases➤ Can result in pneumonia➤ Both spread through droplets released by an infected person while coughing, sneezing or talking➤ Flu can be spread by an infected person for several days before their symptoms appear; Covid-19 is believed to be spread in the same manner, but we don't yet know for sure➤ Neither virus is treatable with antibiotics, which only work on bacterial infections➤ Both may be treated by addressing symptoms, such as reducing fever. Severe cases may require hospitalisation and support, such as mechanical ventilation.➤ Both may be prevented by frequent, thorough hand-washing, staying home when sick and limiting contact with infected people➤Flu — Caused by any of several different types and strains of inﬂ uenza viruses➤Covid-19 — Caused by one virus, the novel 2019 coronavirus, now called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2.➤Flu — A vaccine is available and effective to prevent some of the most dangerous types or to reduce the severity➤Covid-19 — No vaccine available at this time➤Flu — Estimated 1 billion cases worldwide➤Covid-19 — Over 97,000 cases worldwideNot every person suffering from fever, cough has Covid-19 At present, Covid-19 is being seen only in those with history of travel to affected countries, such as China and Italy, or those who have come in contact with an infected individual➤Call Union health ministry’s 24X7 helpline number 01123978046. You can also mail your queries at ncov2019@gmail.com➤The district surveillance ofﬁcer will visit you shortly and, if chances of infection are high, you may be transported to designated hospital for test➤Govt has placed separate ambulances for transporting suspected cases. Use of public transport isn’t advised➤After taking samples, doctors posted at nodal hospitals may assess your physical health to decide whether hospitalisation is needed. Otherwise, you may be asked to stay isolated at home itself➤If the tests are positive, you may require to remain quarantined for at least 14 days, till recovery