COVID-19 Infection versus Influenza (Flu) and Other Respiratory Illnesses

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the COVID-19 infection. You can be ill with more than one virus at the same time. As the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic continues, influenza and other respiratory infections will also emerge in the community. Respiratory infections may present with similar symptoms and all can spread from person to person. It is hard to tell which virus or bacteria is causing a person’s illness based on symptoms alone. At times testing is needed to see which virus(es) or bacteria are present. These tests usually involve getting a nose and/or throat swab sample, as most of these viruses are present in large amounts in the back of the nose and throat. There is still a lot to learn about the COVID-19 infection and research is ongoing.