What distinguishes the symptoms of the three diseases and how long are those affected contagious?
The annual cold and flu season begins with fall. In addition to the classic pathogens that cause respiratory infections, the coronavirus is also circulating this year with the start of the cooler season. The flu wave is still expected; it “usually reaches its peak in December and February to March,” as the Munich doctor Dr. Markus Frühwein in tz-Interview explains. Distinguishing between these conditions can be challenging because their symptoms often overlap. But what are the differences between corona, flu and colds and how long is the risk of infecting others if you are sick yourself?
Cold, flu and COVID-19: When do symptoms first appear?
The incubation period, i.e. the period between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms, varies depending on the pathogen. For a cold, it can last between two and 14 days. The Influenza, on the other hand, manifests itself after one to three days with sudden and severe symptoms. The incubation period for COVID-19 is variable – on average, the first symptoms appear after about three days, but in fact it can take up to twelve days before the first noticeable symptoms appear.
Cold, flu and COVID-19: What are the first symptoms?
Colds, often caused by rhinoviruses, typically present with a runny nose, cough and sore throat. The flu, caused by influenza viruses, usually begins suddenly with fever, headaches and body aches. COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms such as cough, runny nose and fever, often accompanied by general weakness and shortness of breath. A key difference is that a COVID-19 infection is often accompanied by loss of taste and smell – similar to the beginning of Parkinson’s disease.
Duration of infection: How long is the risk of infecting others?
The duration of infection for colds and flu is usually one week, during the acute symptoms. During a COVID-19 infection, in mild cases, the ability to be infected usually decreases significantly within ten days of the onset of symptoms. However, if the disease is severe, the risk of infection can persist for a longer period of time. A supposedly negative rapid test after just a few days is not always a guarantee that the affected person is no longer contagious. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) It can be assumed that the probability of infecting others is greatest shortly before the first corona symptoms begin and during the first few days of symptoms.
What you should do on the recommendation of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) What you should pay attention to if you are sick in order to avoid infecting others if possible:
- If possible, stay at home until your symptoms have subsided significantly.
- Reduce your personal contacts to a minimum, especially with older people and people with previous illnesses who are at increased risk of serious respiratory diseases.
- Avoid contact with people outside your household as much as possible.
- If possible, sick people should be kept isolated from others and only have contact with household members who provide necessary support.
- If contact is unavoidable, maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters and, if possible, wear mouth and nose protection.
- Ventilate all rooms regularly.
- When coughing or sneezing, hold a tissue or the crook of your arm over your mouth and nose and then wash your hands thoroughly.
- Used tissues should best be disposed of in a well-sealed bag in the trash and hands and surfaces that come into contact with them should be thoroughly cleaned or disinfected.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces every day, such as bedside tables, bed frames, smartphones, and bathroom and toilet surfaces, with standard household cleaning products or disinfectants.
Corona and flu: Effective protection against infection through preventive measures
Hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent infections. Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Vaccinations are also good protection against COVID-19 and flu. They can help prevent severe disease and limit the spread of viruses.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.