2024-01-16 15:04:34

In the fall-winter season, it is more common for respiratory discomfort to occur that might be confused with a flu, an allergy, influenza or COVID-19. However, although all of these conditions share common symptoms, there are substantial differences between these conditions.

Additionally, cold, dry air can weaken the natural defenses of the respiratory mucosa, making them more susceptible to infections. The lower incidence of sunlight can also influence decreases in vitamin D levels and negatively affect the immune system.

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Some viruses, such as influenza, survive and are transmitted better in the cold, dry air of winter, consequently, an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases tends to be observed, which is why it is common for authorities to carry out vaccination campaigns in order to lower the incidence, especially in cases of minors and older adults.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FLU, ALLERGY, INFLUENZA AND COVID-19

ORIGIN OF THESE DISEASES

Both COVID-19 and the common cold and influenza are caused by viruses. However, these are caused by different pathogens, since COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the common cold, mostly, by rhinoviruses, says Daniel Pahua Díaz, an academic at the Faculty of Medicine. from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

While the influenza virus is known as A(H1N1), although these have been changing genetically and antigenically, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

In the case of allergies, they do not have an infectious agent, says Pahua Díaz. That is, they are not caused by a virus or bacteria, since in reality it is an exaggerated response of the immune system to some agents in the environment, such as pollen, dust, spores, among others.

FORMS OF CONTAGION

In the case of the flu, influenza and COVID-19, they are usually transmitted in similar ways, that is, through close contact and through respiratory droplets that are released when someone breathes, coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. These can be inhaled or landed in the mouth or nose of a nearby person, warns the Mayo Clinic, also in the United States.

Furthermore, regarding COVID-19, it can also spread when a person touches a surface or object where the virus is found and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes, although this is not considered one of the main ways in which it is transmitted.

On the other hand, allergies are not contagious, because there are no pathogens that cause them, and they occur during seasonal changes.

SYMPTOMS

Regarding the symptoms of FLU, these can be:

• Nasal congestion

• Smell alterations

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

• Dolor muscular

• Tos

• Fatigue

While the symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• Difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Loss of smell and/or taste

• Dolor muscular

• Tos

In the case of INFLUENZA symptoms:

• Fever

• Tos

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body pain

• Headaches

• Fatigue (tiredness)

• Some people may even have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults, according to the CDC.

On the other hand, the symptoms of ALLERGIES are practically located in the nasal cavity and are characterized by:

• Nasal congestion

• Smell alterations

• Runny nose

CHANGES IN BREATHING

According to experts, with a cold there may be slight difficulty breathing, but the patient’s life or organ function is not compromised, just like with allergies, except when you suffer from a previous respiratory condition, such as asthma. .

On the other hand, in influenza and COVID-19, depending on the clinical characteristics of the affected person, it can compromise lung function and life, making it necessary to intubate the patient to promote breathing.

TREATMENT

The Mayo Clinic currently says there is no cure for the common cold, but treatment may include pain relievers and over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants, that will help the patient recover.

While allergy treatment, on the other hand, can include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and decongestants, and avoiding exposure to allergens whenever possible.

In the case of COVID-19, there is only one approved antiviral drug so far, called Remdesivir, and some other drugs can help reduce the severity of COVID-19, he says.

As for influenza, it also requires appropriate antiviral treatment prescribed by a doctor.

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DURATION OF ILLNESS AND RECOVERY

In a cold, the symptoms may or may not be acute, and will last four to five days. According to experts, most people recover from the flu within three to 10 days; although some colds can last as long as two or three weeks.

While in allergic rhinitis the discomfort will remain as long as you are exposed to the environmental agent that triggers it.

COVID-19, on the other hand, manifests itself 10 to 14 days following infection and in influenza the signs and symptoms of uncomplicated illness usually disappear following 3-7 days in most cases; although the cough and feeling of discomfort may remain for more than 2 weeks.

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