COVID-19 Vs. Flu: What’s the Difference?

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, under the guidance of our esteemed medical practitioner, Dr. Kevin Penwell, we acknowledge the importance of understanding the differences between influenza and COVID-19. Both are contagious respiratory illnesses that can have significant impacts on one’s health, but they are caused by different viruses and present varying symptoms and severity.

Symptoms: Both illnesses can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue, which our medical team at Immediate Care of Oklahoma is well-equipped to diagnose and manage. However, COVID-19 is noted to cause additional symptoms like shortness of breath and loss of flavor or smell, which should prompt immediate medical attention.

Speed of Transmission: At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we understand the potential for rapid transmission of both the flu and COVID-19. We have strict procedures in place to guarantee our patients’ safety because of this.

Severity and Mortality Risk: While the flu is generally a mild illness, COVID-19 can cause more serious illnesses and has a higher rate of hospitalization and mortality. Our team, led by Dr. Penwell, is committed to providing the necessary care to patients suffering from these illnesses.

Underlying Mechanisms: The viruses that cause flu primarily target the respiratory tract, while COVID-19 affects multiple organs. This understanding guides our approach to diagnosing and treating these illnesses.

Treatment: Immediate Care of Oklahoma offers antiviral medications for treating the flu. For COVID-19, we follow the latest treatment guidelines and provide appropriate care as needed.

Prevention: We strongly encourage our patients to get their yearly flu vaccine and follow local health guidelines regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. We also emphasize the importance of regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, as well as continuing to maintain social distance.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, under the guidance of our medical director, Dr. Kevin Penwell, we recognize the potential for individuals to contract both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, a condition known as co-infection. The influenza virus, which causes the flu, and SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, are two different viruses, and infection with one does not provide immunity against the other.

As a practice specializing in urgent care, we understand that the flu and COVID-19 are respiratory infections that can lead to severe respiratory conditions. A co-infection could potentially exacerbate symptoms, including a high temperature, chills, runny nose, cough, sore throat, body pains, exhaustion, and shortness of breath, and may raise the possibility of life-threatening side effects like pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Dr. Penwell and his team want to stress the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Because the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can be very similar, testing is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. If you suspect you may have a co-infection, Immediate Care of Oklahoma urges you to seek medical attention promptly to help prevent serious complications.

Our practice also emphasizes preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting these viruses. We recommend hand hygiene, wearing masks, social distancing, and receiving an annual flu vaccination. These measures have proven effective in minimizing the spread of both viruses, particularly during the flu season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While it is possible to have both COVID-19 and the flu concurrently, Dr. Kevin Penwell and the team at Immediate Care of Oklahoma are here to help manage and reduce this risk with professional healthcare and guidance.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, led by Dr. Kevin Penwell, we understand the complexities and similarities of COVID-19 and the flu. These respiratory illnesses share common symptoms like fever or chills, dry cough, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and sore throats, making the distinction between the two challenging.

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is marked by a the distinct symptom of taste or smell loss. Less commonly, it can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.

The flu, on the other hand, typically presents milder symptoms, including a runny or stuffy nose and occasionally nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. While it usually resolves in a week or two, it can also lead to serious complications like pneumonia or hospitalization in certain individuals.

The overlap of symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue makes it challenging to differentiate between the two infections without laboratory testing. COVID-19 symptoms typically develop several days after exposure, while flu symptoms often appear more abruptly. COVID-19 can also progress to more severe respiratory complications than the flu, especially in high-risk populations.

Symptoms for both illnesses can range from mild to severe and can show up two to fourteen days after being exposed to the infection. At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we recommend patients exhibiting any of these symptoms get tested for both COVID-19 and the flu, as they require different treatment approaches.

Dr. Kevin Penwell and our team of healthcare experts are available to provide you with the appropriate diagnosis and care. We are dedicated to making sure that our community is safe and healthy during these difficult circumstances. Contact us right now to receive the attention you require.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we’re committed to ensuring our patients’ health, especially during the flu season and amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

These are a few precautionary steps that you can adopt to safeguard your health from both influenza (flu) and COVID-19, which are simple yet highly effective.

Vaccinations at Immediate Care of Oklahoma:

The most crucial step for protection is getting vaccinated, and at Immediate Care, we offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines remain the most potent weapon against both diseases. Annual flu shots provide protection against the most prevalent strains expected during that season. Similarly, COVID-19 vaccines have proven highly effective in reducing the severity of the disease and its potential complications.

Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Hygiene:

Practicing good hygiene is another crucial step we advocate for at our clinic. We urge our patients to wash their hands frequently and practice good respiratory hygiene. This involves using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose. when coughing or sneezing, followed by proper disposal, to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.

Social Distancing and Mask Wearing:

At Immediate Care, we promote social distancing and mask wearing for all our patients. Maintaining a safe distance from others and wearing a well-fitting mask, especially in public settings, can provide an additional layer of protection against respiratory droplets.

Avoid Touching Surfaces and Your Face:

We advise our patients to avoid touching their face, particularly their eyes, nose, and mouth. Use a clean tissue or handkerchief to touch surfaces that may be contaminated.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle and Remaining at Home When Sick:

At Immediate Care, we believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle, which entails maintaining hydration, getting enough sleep, exercising frequently, and eating a balanced diet. These habits can boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to infections. It is recommended to stay at home and limit your social interactions if you are feeling unwell. See our clinic right away if you experience any symptoms, such as a fever, cough, or trouble breathing.

Surfaces and Objects:

Additionally, it’s critical to routinely clean and sanitize items and surfaces that are touched frequently. Here at Immediate Care, we ensure a clean and safe environment for our patients by regularly disinfecting surfaces and objects within our facilities.

You can greatly lower your risk of catching the flu or COVID-19 by putting these precautions into practice. Rest assured that at Immediate Care of Oklahoma, your health is our top priority
 
For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Bethany OK and surrounding areas.