Is Coronavirus More Severe Than The Flu 1 2
COVID-19: This is a NEW virus which no one has immunity.
Flu: Many people have built up immunity to seasonal flu strains.
Kill Rate 1
COVID-19: Globally about 3.4% cases have died.
Flu: Generally kills less than 1% of those infected.
Symptom Development 1
COVID-19: Typically, a person develops symptoms 5 days after being infected, but symptoms can appear as early as 2 days after infection or as late as 14 days after infection, and the time range can vary.
Flu: Typically, a person develops symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection.
Length of Contagion 1
COVID-19: Still under investigation, but it seems that it may be 2 days before symptoms and 10 days (or longer) after symptoms.
Flu: Most people with flu are contagious for about 1 day before they show symptoms.
Get the FACTS
- Johns Hopkins – Coronavirus Resource Center
- JAMA Network, May 14, 2020 – Assessment of Deaths From COVID-19 and From Seasonal Influenza
- CDC.gov – Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19
- Yale NewHaven Health – Coronavirus (COVID-19) vs. Influenza (Flu)