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COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences

How may COVID-19 affect this year's flu season?
How are COVID-19 and the flu similar?
What's the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?
How might COVID-19 affect this year's flu season?
How can you avoid getting COVID-19 and the flu?
Content
What causes COVID-19 and flu?
How do COVID-19 and flu spread?
COVID-19 and flu spread and severity
What symptoms do COVID-19 and flu have in common?
Differences between COVID-19 and flu symptoms
COVID-19 and flu complications
What medicines are used to treat COVID-19 and flu?
What can I do to keep from getting COVID-19 or flu?

COVID-19 and flu complications

Many people with seasonal flu or COVID-19 get better at home with rest and fluids. But some people become seriously ill and need to seek care in a hospital. Both COVID-19 and the flu can be deadly.

COVID-19 and the flu also can lead to serious health problems called complications. Some health problems that can happen because of getting COVID-19 or the flu include:

  • Worsening of long-term conditions, such as heart disease.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Organ failure or problems.
  • Heart or brain inflammation.
  • Pregnancy complications.

COVID-19 and seasonal flu also can cause different complications. COVID-19 examples are blood clots, post-COVID conditions and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Flu can lead to an infection by bacteria more often than COVID-19 infections do.