What are some of the similarities between COVID-19 and flu?

Both COVID-19 and flu can spread from person to person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Both are spread mainly by large and small particles containing virus that are expelled when people with the illness (COVID-19 or flu) cough, sneeze, or talk.

Can you get COVID-19 and the flu at the same time?

Yes. It is possible have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.

Can you contract COVID-19 from kissing?

Well, yes.
The virus that causes COVID-19 travels in saliva, so, sure, swapping spit with an infected person could transfer the virus to you.

Can you have sex if your partner has symptoms of COVID-19?

If you or your partner isn't feeling well or think you might have COVID-19, don't kiss or have sex with each other until you're both feeling better.

Will the flu shot help fight the coronavirus?

While the flu shot won't protect you from developing COVID-19, it's still a good idea. Most people older than six months can and should get the flu vaccine. Doing so reduces the chances of getting seasonal flu.

Flu and COVID-19: Similarities and Differences

What are some ways to strengthen your immune system helping to prevent COVID-19?

Vaccines are the single best way to strengthen your immune system and help prevent the flu and COVID-19 and the potentially life-threatening complications these viruses can cause. Good nutrition—including adequate hydration—is also a great way to give your immune system a boost and help you stay well.

Can taking vitamin D prevent COVID-19?

Vitamin D is thought to have protective effects on the immune system, but it’s not yet known whether it could help prevent or treat COVID-19. New research has noted higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death in areas where people have lower levels of vitamin D in their system. But those studies show an association – not that low vitamin D makes someone more likely to get COVID-19. Research is ongoing.

How long are you contagious after being sick with COVID-19?

Most people with COVID-19 are no longer contagious 5 days after they first have symptoms and have been fever-free for at least three days.

How do I prevent getting COVID-19 from a sick family member?

• Put on a mask and ask the sick person to put on a mask before entering the room.
• Wear gloves when you touch or have contact with the sick person’s blood, stool, or body fluids,
such as saliva, mucus, vomit, and urine. Throw out gloves into a lined trash can and wash your
hands right away.
◦ Practice everyday preventive actions to keep from getting sick: wash your hands often; avoid
touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.

How long does it take for the COVID-19 symptoms to start showing?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Can COVID-19 be transmitted through saliva?

The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, shows that SARS-CoV-2, which is the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, can actively infect cells that line the mouth and salivary glands.

What is one of the ways COVID-19 can spread from person-to-person?

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets or tiny particles called aerosols carry the virus into the air from their nose or mouth. Anyone who is within 6 feet of that person can breathe it into their lungs.

What is considered a close contact of someone with COVID-19?

For COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes).

Are influenza (flu) and COVID-19 caused by the same virus?

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus first identified in 2019, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.

How can you tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19?

You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 just by looking at the symptoms alone because they have some of the same symptoms. That's why testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis.

Which one is more contagious, COVID-19 or flu?

Differences: If a person has COVID-19, they could be contagious for a longer time than if they have flu.

How long can the coronavirus stay in the air?

Aerosolized coronavirus can remain in the air for up to three hours.

How long can COVID-19 survive out in the air and on other surfaces?

The scientists found that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

How long can COVID-19 survive on surfaces?

Data from surface survival studies indicate that a 99% reduction in infectious SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses can be expected under typical indoor environmental conditions within 3 days (72 hours) on common non-porous surfaces like stainless steel, plastic, and glass .

How long should I stay in home isolation if I have a COVID-19 infection?

Positive. The test detected the virus and you have an infection. Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home.

Tell your close contacts. Wear a well-fitted mask when around others. If available, a N95 or KN95 respirator is recommended. Watch for symptoms.

How long do I need to stay isolated if I test positive for COVID-19?

If you test positive, you should isolate for at least 5 days from the date of your positive test (if you do not have symptoms). If you do develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days from the date your symptoms began (the date the symptoms started is day 0).

How long after COVID-19 isolation should I wear a mask?

During the 10 days after infection, persons might be infectious to others and are recommended to wear a well-fitting mask when around others, and to avoid contact with those at elevated risk for severe disease, even if ending isolation after 5 days.

Are there supplements or medications to take to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19?

Great question! No supplements or medications have been shown to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Excessive intake of supplements can be harmful. Many drugs are being studied in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 but the results will take months.

Follow these precautions to best prevent COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact with sick individuals
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Practice “social distancing” by staying home when possible and maintaining 6 feet of distance
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol

What is the best way to protect me from COVID-19?

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from Delta, Omicron, or any COVID-19 variant is to get fully vaccinated, the doctors say.

What medications should be avoided before the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is not recommended you take over-the-counter medicine – such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen – before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent vaccine-related side effects.