Today’s COVID-19 vs. the Flu of 2016

November 8, 2023

A masked nurse gives a masked patient an injection. The first signs of COVID-19 began to manifest in China in December 2019. By spring 2020, the virus was causing severe illness and death around the globe. While vaccination significantly lowers the risk of severe health problems and death, COVID-19 remains a health risk. The vaccinated can still contract the disease and transmit it to the unvaccinated, who are at greater risk of death. The numbers demonstrate the danger: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of September 2022, more than 600 million cases and more than 6.5 million deaths attributed to COVID-19 have been reported around the world.

In the U.S., COVID-19 put a substantial strain on the health care system. A September 2020 survey by Mental Health America revealed that 93% of health care workers were experiencing stress, 86% were experiencing burnout and 75% were dealing with exhaustion and burnout.

While the unique nature of COVID-19 puts the disease and health care response in their own class, it’s not the first time the health care system had to deal with the strain of a public health crisis in recent years. During the 2016 to 2017 flu season, the H3N2 flu virus caused a global public health crisis, albeit on a smaller scale. While COVID-19 and the flu differ in scope and treatment, public health professionals can draw parallels from them.

COVID vs. the Flu: Differences and Similarities

Although COVID-19 and the flu have different symptoms and pathologies, some similarities do exist between them.

Transmission

COVID-19 and the flu are both spread via airborne droplets caused by coughing, sneezing or talking. This transmission can happen from person to person if they’re standing within 6 feet of each other. The key difference between how the two transmit relates to their level of contagiousness. COVID-19 is generally more contagious than the flu, as its transmission window is longer, and people can spread it two to three days before symptoms manifest. The flu, however, is believed to be chiefly spread by people symptomatic with the infection.

Symptoms of the Flu

Flu symptoms appear roughly one to four days after infection. Common symptoms of the flu may include fever, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, cough and body aches. Vomiting and diarrhea are also potential symptoms, but tend to occur more often in children. Not everyone will experience all the common symptoms, and many may never experience a fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 shares some symptoms associated with the flu, such as fever, cough, body aches and sore throat. It can also induce unique symptoms, such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Additionally, while both COVID-19 and the flu can cause a loss or change in smell and taste, it’s substantially more common with COVID. Another differentiator between COVID-19 and the flu is how long it takes for symptoms to manifest. Unlike people with the flu, people with COVID-19 may not exhibit symptoms for up to two weeks after contracting the virus.

Flu Complications

Most people get over the flu in a few days to two weeks. However, after the flu passes, some may develop moderate complications that linger, such as ear or sinus infections. The flu can also worsen chronic symptoms, such as increasing asthma attacks among asthmatics.

Serious flu complications can also develop. One is pneumonia, which can develop as a residual effect of the flu virus or a coinfection from bacteria. Other serious complications can include heart inflammation; multiorgan failure; or severe inflammation of the respiratory tract, which can lead to sepsis. In serious cases, these complications can be life-threatening.

COVID-19 Complications

Most people recover from COVID-19 within two weeks, much like people recovering from the flu. However, some people may experience post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID,: Symptoms linger well after the typical recovery window, and other serious conditions may develop. Common symptoms include fatigue, fever and difficulty breathing.

Other potential symptoms include neurological symptoms impacting the brain; heart symptoms, such as chest pain; digestive issues; and blood clots. In severe cases, organ damage affecting the heart, kidneys, brain and skin may occur. Death may also occur from COVID-19. While the full range of causes is yet to be determined, the primary cause of death relates to pulmonary dysfunction.

COVID vs. the Flu: How Each Affected the World

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 29 million U.S. residents caught the flu in 2016. This resulted in 14 million medical visits, 500,000 hospitalizations and 38,000 deaths. The WHO estimates that 290,000 to 650,000 people die annually due to flu-related respiratory symptoms worldwide, with most deaths in industrialized countries occurring in people aged 65 and older. The WHO reports that patients can swamp health care facilities during peak flu season.

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the globe. As of September 18, 2022, the WHO reported more than 609 million cases and more than 6.5 million deaths attributed to COVID-19 since 2019.

The disease overwhelmed public health organizations and caused damage that transcended health care as worldwide lockdowns produced residual negative effects on the economy and education. It also further exposed the gaps in worldwide issues, such as access to technology, food security and equity.

In the U.S., COVID-19 highlighted serious ongoing issues facing the health care field, including the ongoing nursing shortage, nurse burnout and access to care. The impact of these concerns may persist after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, in part because the annual flu season could cause issues that continue to disrupt optimal care delivery.

Become a Change Leader in Health Care

Both the seasonal flu and 100-year pandemics like COVID-19 increase the burden on the health care industry and exacerbate the industry’s existing challenges. This provides an opportunity for public health officials to develop strategies that keep the public better informed on COVID, the flu and other public health issues and crises. Public health strategies can help the public take the necessary steps to protect themselves, lessening the burden on health care workers.

USC’s Master of Public Health online degree can prepare you to meet the moment and make a positive impact on public health. Offered through the Keck School of Medicine, USC’s online program is designed to present public health from a global perspective. It can give you the tools to develop holistic strategies that connect to communities and their unique needs. Learn how USC can help you become a leader in a crucial field.