803-756-3466

Hours: M-F 9am - 7pm Sat 9am-5pm Sun: 12pm -4pm (Appointment only)

COVID-19 VACCINE
COVID-19 TEST

Flu vs. COVID-19: Spread, Symptoms, & Treatment

Feb 10, 2021 | Pharmacy Store Blog

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
0 Shares

We are in the peak season for flu, and growing concern over whether our symptoms relate to the flu or COVID-19 weighs heavily on our minds. My Pharmacy & Optical is your pharmacy near Lexington, SC, that provides you with a flu vaccine and COVID-19 test.

We have broken down everything you need to know about the differences between these two viruses.

A Side-By-Side Comparison of Flu vs. COVID-19

These viruses have numerous similarities; however, there are distinct differences that set them apart.

 

Flu

COVID-19
Contagious

  • Highly contagious
  • Shorter contagious period
    • A person is contagious for up to 7 days
 Contagious

  • Extremely contagious
  • Longer contagious period
  • A person can be contagious and not know it
    • Once infected, a person remains contagious for up to 10 days
Cause

Influenza virus (mainly respiratory)

 Cause

SARS-CoV-2 virus (respiratory)
Spread

Easily spreads through:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Talking
  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching face; eyes, mouth, nose
 Spread

Rapidly spreads through:

  • Airborne (contaminated droplets)
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Singing
  • Talking
  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching face; eyes, mouth, nose
Onset of Symptoms

1-4 days after exposure

 Onset of Symptoms

  • A person can be contagious and may never experience symptoms
  • For others, after exposure, 2-14 days
Symptoms

  • Fever/chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Feeling tired
  • Overall aches/pains
  • Runny/stuffy nose
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
 Symptoms

  • Includes all of the symptoms of flu

PLUS

  • Loss of taste/smell

Immediate medical attention is required if you experience:

  • Trouble with breathing
  • Chest pain that won’t go away
  • Lethargy
  • Confusion
  • Blue lips/face
Those Most at Risk

Younger children at higher risk

  • Older adults
  • Those with underlying medical conditions
  • Pregnant women
  • Young children
 Those Most at Risk

Older/elderly adults at higher risk

  • Older adults
  • Those with underlying medical conditions
Complications

  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory failure
  • Secondary bacterial infections
  • Injury to the heart
  • Organ failure
  • Heart, muscle, brain inflammation
  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions
  • Death
 Complications

  • Includes all of the complications of flu

PLUS

  • Blood clots
  • Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (school-age children)
Testing

  • Flu test to detect influenza A or B (nasal swab)

A DUAL TEST is now available to detect whether it’s flu or COVID-19 (nasal swab)

 Testing

  • Specific tests to detect active COVID or antibodies (nasal swab, blood)

A DUAL TEST is now available to detect whether it’s flu or COVID-19 (nasal swab)
Treatment

  • Antiviral medication
  • OTC medications to treat the symptoms
  • Stay at home and rest
 Treatment

  • Currently, there are no approved drugs to treat COVID-19.
  • Must quarantine and treat the symptoms.
  • Some may require hospitalization.
Vaccine

Yearly flu vaccine

 Vaccine

Currently being rolled out

Ways You Can Prevent Catching The Flu Or COVID-19

We are now accustomed to wearing face masks, and it comes as no surprise that the protective barrier a mask provides is extremely important to have. Wearing your mask when you are around others and practicing good hand washing are the two defenses that are your best options.

Keep in mind that any surface your hands come into contact with could easily have either virus (flu or COVID-19) present. By touching your face, mouth, eyes, or nose, you introduce the contagions to your system.

  • Wear a face mask at all times in public or around people.
  • Stay 6 feet apart from others.
  • Practice good hand washing and use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t readily available.
  • Don’t share beverages, food, or eating utensils.
  • Get an annual flu vaccine.
  • Get your COVID vaccine as soon as you are eligible.

Don’t Take Chances If You Suspect You Have COVID-19

We know and understand the anxiety that potential COVID-19 symptoms cause. If you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID or you are experiencing symptoms, we recommend that you have a COVID test done. The peace of mind that comes from knowing whether you are positive or not is important.

Finding a drugstore near Lexington, SC, to have a COVID-19 test is as easy as giving My Pharmacy & Optical a call! Appointments for COVID testing are required.

Don’t forget; we also do flu vaccines!

Call us TODAY to schedule your COVID test or flu vaccine.

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
0 Shares