The flu and coronavirus are passed on before symptoms appear

Bratislava, December 2 (TASR) – The flu virus and the new coronavirus can be transmitted from person to person before the first symptoms of the disease appear in the infected person. “Neither the flu nor COVID-19 are trivial diseases. Both can be difficult, cause serious health complications, lead to permanent health consequences, and even cause death.” emphasizes chief hygienist Ján Mikas.

In the case of the flu, the risk of spreading the disease is usually highest for the first five to seven days after a person develops symptoms. It can also be contagious the day before the symptoms. “In the case of a novel coronavirus, it is much more difficult to determine the time to infectivity in humans. People are contagious, even if they have no symptoms. The first signs of COVID-19,” Mikas explained. Patients with a severe course can be infectious for longer.

According to the chief hygienist, COVID-19 can also be sick with the flu at the same time. “A virus also increases the likelihood of being infected with another infectious disease, viral or bacterial. The weakened organism is more susceptible to other infections.” clarified. Simultaneous course can significantly worsen the health condition.

The flu and COVID-19 are usually not recognizable by their symptoms. Although they are caused by different viruses, the symptoms of the two diseases are largely similar, explained the chief hygienist. The definitive answer can only be given by a laboratory test on a patient sample.

The treatment of both diseases is mainly symptomatic, which means that it consists of relieving the symptoms. Patients can take medicines that lower the temperature, relieve cough, headache and joint pain, or suppress inflammation in the airways. Even in the case of a mild course of the disease and COVID-19 flu, the Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic strongly recommends staying at home and “treating” the disease.

In severe cases, antivirals are used for treatment, i.e. medicines that prevent the multiplication of viruses and can therefore shorten the duration of the infection. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral diseases such as the flu and COVID-19. It is important to use them when a bacterial infection is associated with a viral disease.

If signs of respiratory diseases appear, you need to isolate yourself from others and contact your doctor by phone first. In an emergency, call 155 directly and let your supervisor know that you may have COVID-19.