Page 20 - December 2020 Digital full

HEALTH & COVID
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE

BETWEEN A COLD, THE

FLU, AND COVID-19?

As we move closer to winter, preventing treat symptoms such as fever and
viral illnesses becomes a top priority. body aches with over-the-counter
With COVID-19 still spreading, many medicine.
are wondering whether we could face Still wondering about the differences
a “twindemic”—a challenging flu (and similarities) between the three?
season combined with the ongoing Here’s how it breaks down.
pandemic to overwhelm an already FLU
taxed healthcare system.
“We don’t know what these viruses While the coronavirus continues to
are going to do,” says Dr. Michelle make headlines, influenza (flu) is
Shukhman, an internal medicine also a serious disease that can lead
specialist. to illness or even death.
“They could mix to inundate the body, An estimated 39 to 56 million
or they could somehow cancel each Americans came down with the flu
other out.” last season, according to the CDC
Plus, because we’re taking COVID-19 and Prevention. Almost half of them
precautions—practicing physical were so ill they paid a visit to their
distancing, wearing a mask, and paying healthcare providers.
extra attention to hand hygiene—
we might even see a decrease in
colds and flu this year.
Regardless of how it plays out, if
you feel a tickle in your throat or
spike a fever, it’s natural to wonder
what you’re experiencing. The
good news? The treatment for
each of these viruses is largely the
same: rest, get plenty of fluids, and

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