COVID-19 Versus The Seasonal Flu: Facts And Figures

Since SARS-CoV-2 (or the novel coronavirus, the virus that causes COVID-19) emerged, many have compared it to the seasonal flu. The seasonal flu virus and SARS-CoV-2 can present with similar symptoms: both seasonal influenza strains (flu A and flu B) and SARS-CoV-2 are contagious viruses that cause respiratory illnesses in humans.

The outcomes of the illnesses, however, are disparate. During last year’s flu season, the CDC estimates there were 40–55 million flu cases and 24,000–62,000 deaths. Johns Hopkins estimates there have been more than 31 million coronavirus cases globally, resulting in more than 970,000 deaths — including over 200,000 deaths in the U.S.

With cold and flu season now here, and the pandemic still growing in many parts of the world, every sneeze and sore throat can be cause for concern. Since the two viruses present with very similar symptoms and physicians do not routinely test for the flu, they can be difficult to distinguish. As physicians and researchers learn more about the novel coronavirus, they have identified many similarities and differences between the two viruses and the illnesses they cause.