Is it Flu or COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease? FLU (INFLUENZA) CORONAVIRUS The flu is a common, contagious Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. infection that can cause mild to The flu is different from a cold. severe respiratory illness. There has Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and been community spread within the complications can lead to death. Millions United States but the risk of getting of citizens get influenza within the United Coronavirus is still considered low. States each year. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF FLU OF CORONAVIRUS The signs and symptoms of flu usually Signs and symptoms can appear two develop within two days after exposure. to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms come on quickly and all at once. • Fever or feeling feverish • Fever • Headache • Cough • Muscle or body aches • Difficulty breathing • Cough • Shortness of breath • Feeling very tired (fatigue) • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose HOW FLU GERMS HOW CORONAVIRUS GERMS ARE SPREAD ARE SPREAD The flu is spread mainly by droplets It is thought to be spread by: made when people who have flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Viruses can • Coughing/sneezing or other close contact with a also spread on surfaces, but this person infected with Coronavirus. is less common. - Close contact means being within 6 feet of an infected person for a period of time. People with flu can spread the • It may also spread by touching items that an virus before, during, and after infected person has used, like tissues or linen. they are sick. WHO GETS THE FLU? WHO GETS CORONAVIRUS Anyone can get the flu. In the United States, people at risk are: Some people—like very • Travelers from outside the young children, older adults, United States and people with some health • An individual who had close conditions—are at high risk contact with a person infected of serious complications. with Coronavirus. For more information about the flu and COVID-19, visit www.cdc.gov/flu and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV..