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The imminent start of the flu vaccination campaign coexists with the apparent similarities with covid-19.
In the midst of a spike in Covid-19 cases throughout the country, the arrival of October also brings the flu vaccination campaign, which is being brought forward a little this year, following the recommendation of the World Health Organization ( WHO). The annual coexistence with the flu is complicated in 2020 by the similarities with the coronavirus pandemic in terms of various symptoms, which can lead to delicate situations in primary care. Expert voices agree that after a few days of symptoms that may be equally similar to those of the common cold, the differences emerge.
Symptoms of the common cold or catarrh
It usually comes with increased nasal mucus, cough, sore throat and sneezing, but it does not normally cause muscle pain or high fever. It is a viral disease that affects the upper respiratory system and does not delve as much into the infection as in the other two cases.
Flu symptoms
Viral infection that does cause fever and muscle pain, as well as coughing and sneezing. In more severe cases there are chills, breathing difficulties and severe headaches, or vomiting and diarrhea (especially in children).
Symptoms of the coronavirus
Symptoms similar to the flu, the difference is in the intensity, especially regarding muscle pain; the entire body is knocked out. The fever rises higher than in the flu, and the cough is dry and persistent, which is why it irritates the lung tissue. Nausea may also occur, and diarrhea is common among adults. In addition, there are very graphic and common symptoms, such as loss of smell and alteration of taste, which can lead to not perceiving flavors or noticing them as excessively salty.
Serious symptoms and prevention before the arrival of the flu
As this is the first flu campaign after the appearance of covid-19, it is not yet known to what extent the coexistence of both conditions can affect the body; Obviously, especially in the cases of patients with previous pathologies, the chances of the infection resulting in extreme severity are high in these cases. On the other hand, the use of masks and intensive hand hygiene, implemented in our society as common customs due to covid-19, could be decisive in reducing the impact of the flu this fall. It has already happened in the southern hemisphere in recent months. The WHO has also requested that pneumococcus, influenza or whooping cough vaccination programs be reinforced for adults or people classified as at risk due to their previous pathologies.
