At first glance, the coronavirus (Covid-19) and the flu have many similarities in their symptoms, and this is precisely what confuses the sick and increases their anxiety.
According to the latest study done by Hasselt University in Belgium and Jessa Hospital, there are some differences between the common flu and covid-19 in many aspects.
In the study reported by researcher Het Belang van Limburg, it is found that people infected with the flu have for example higher fevers and increased white blood cell counts.
Likewise, the other researcher of the same study, Valentino D'Onofrio, conducted a comparative study on 103 flu patients admitted to the hospital from February 2019 to February 2020, as well as 113 patients with Covid-19 admitted to Jessa between March and the end of May.
"Using clinical parameters and laboratory research, we were able to find many significant differences between Covid and influenza," explained researcher Valentino D'Onofrio.
In addition to higher fevers and white blood cell counts, flu patients also had more bacterial co-infections.
On the other hand, patients with Covid-19 had more inflammatory substances in their lungs.
The study could be a valuable aid in differentiating between patients at a time when, thanks to the rapid antigen test, it takes three hours to get the result of a Covid-19 test on a patient admitted to the Emergency Department with severe symptoms.
"Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between influenza and Covid-19, we can reduce waiting times and implement isolation measures even faster. In addition, we can make faster decisions about the appropriate treatment, which will help save patients' lives", emphasized researcher D'Onofrio./Iconstyle.al/
