Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 differs from the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause
mild
illness, like the common cold. COVID-19 is a new strain not previously been seen in humans.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person, usually between people who are
within about 6 feet of each other. People who are infected but don’t show symptoms also can spread the virus to
others. Some infections can be spread by exposure to the virus in small droplets and particles that can linger in
the air from minutes to hours.
Health experts are still learning more about the spread and severity of illness COVID-19
causes.
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 new coronavirus, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
In addition, COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It also can
take longer before people show symptoms, and people can be contagious for a longer time.
Another important
difference is that while is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, there is a vaccine to protect against flu—and this
year, getting your flu shot is more important than ever. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to
the virus.
Resources:What are the symptoms for COVID-19?