Is it possible to distinguish between seasonal flu and corona virus? Otorhinolaryngology Specialist Op.Dr.İbrahim Akın gave valuable information on the subject.
Corona Virus (Covid-19) infection, which has been affecting the whole world for about 1 year, continues to be the most important problem all over the world, while many countries are trying to find a solution for this disease. The fact that the structure of the virus is not known exactly and it always changes itself and mutates, which complicates the effort with this disease. However, the onset of a seasonal flu epidemic in these months will cause many difficulties in dealing with the disease. So, is it possible to distinguish between seasonal flu and corona virus in this process?
Corona Virus and Influenza Virus, which causes flu epidemics, are very different in structure, but unfortunately they are very similar to each other in terms of the symptoms they reveal. Sore throat, fever, cough, weakness, muscle pain are among the most common symptoms in both diseases. Considering our experiences in the pandemic outpatient clinic where we work, symptoms such as runny nose and nasal congestion seen in influenza disease are not seen very often in Coronavirus, but we have had patients who came with a runny nose and whose Covid-19 swab test was positive.
Situations like this unfortunately cause difficulties in the effort with Corona virus. Anyone who shows symptoms during the pandemic period should be considered a pandemic patient until proven otherwise. We accept our patients who come to the clinic with the common symptoms of seasonal flu and coronavirus as suspected Covid-19 patients. After performing the necessary analyzes and examinations, we start flu treatment when Corona Virus infection is excluded.
Do not take it lightly by saying I have the flu
Patients who show symptoms such as sore throat, fever, cough, and muscle pain during these seasons should not underestimate the event by saying that they have the flu, and they see themselves as suspicious Covid-19 patients and look around. they should isolate themselves and apply to the health institution where the covid-19 polyclinic is held. It is very valuable for patients to follow the mask, distance and cleaning rules in every rule. Otherwise, it may cause distressing situations for elderly people with chronic diseases who are in the carrier position in both diseases and fall into the risk cluster.
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