COVID-19 and Influenza: Differences, Similarities, and Coinfection

Context: COVID-19 and influenza coinfection may increase mortality morbidity during the pandemic. Recognizing differences similarities between helps us diagnose treat these 2 diseases. Accordingly, we aimed to compare virologic, clinical, paraclinical, radiological features prophylactic therapeutic management of SARS-CoV-2 infections. We also provided an algorithmic approach diagnosis treatment in children. Evidence Acquisition: Electronic databases, including Cochrane Collaboration, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, were searched for articles published English language using following keywords: “influenza virus,” “SARS-CoV-2 “COVID-19,” “comparison,” “coinfection,” “management,” “treatment,” “antiviral therapy,” “vaccines,” “children,” “adults.” Boolean operations (AND OR) used refine search. No date limitation was applied. Results: are both RNA viruses with different receptors. The reproductive rate is higher than influenza. Patients infection, particularly adults, have rates anosmia/ageusia. Organ involvement occurs more frequently cases, multisystem inflammatory syndrome children (MIS-C) especially Disease severity, excessive immune response, SARS-CoV-2. Radiological peripheral lesions ground-glass appearance characteristic infection. It important rule out infection patients respiratory problems Timely prescription currently available antiviral drugs essential. Conclusions: Treatment suspected having a determined by patient’s condition polymerase chain reaction (PCR) evaluation.