Is influenza A the same as coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
Influenza A refers to influenza caused by type A influenza virus, while coronavirus disease (COVID-19) refers to pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus. Generally speaking, influenza A is not the same as coronavirus disease. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Influenza A is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza A virus, whereas coronavirus disease is caused by the novel coronavirus. These two viruses differ significantly in structure, genetic material, and pathogenic mechanisms.
Patients with influenza A typically present symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle pain. In contrast, individuals infected with the novel coronavirus may experience symptoms including shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, and some patients may even be asymptomatic. Additionally, although both diseases can spread via respiratory droplets, coronavirus disease may also be transmitted through aerosols and close contact.
In daily life, it is important to avoid close contact with individuals who have the flu and to reduce visits to crowded places in order to lower the risk of infection.