Typical autumn illnesses
Corona & flu
Similarities and differences
Corona (COVID-19)
Risk of infection
Can be very high, especially with certain variants.
Symptoms
Fever, cough, sore throat, general weakness, tiredness and muscle pain, Loss of sense of smell and taste.
Course
Can be mild, severe or fatal. Long-term consequences (Long COVID) are possible. Usually slow course of the disease.
Transmission
Droplet infection (coughing, sneezing or speaking)
Flu (influenza)
Risk of infection
Also high, but possibly somewhat lower than with some COVID-19 variants.
Symptoms
Fever, sore throat, cold, dry cough, tiredness, headache and/or muscle pain
Course
Usually mild, but can become severe in at-risk groups. Often occurs suddenly and usually runs a shorter course.
Transmission
Droplet infection (coughing, sneezing or speaking)
Joint protection against flu & Covid-19:
- Hygiene: Wash hands, disinfect surfaces
- Distance: Keep at least 1.5 metres away from others
- Mask: Wear in closed rooms
- Contacts: Reduce and preferably meet outdoors
- Events: Avoid major events
- Vaccinations are possible against both diseases! (Vaccination against corona is currently not available in our practice!)