Hello. As you know, the weather is getting cooler and autumn is starting to make itself felt. As the weather gets cooler, there may be an increase in cold and flu cases and may even cause an epidemic. This year, we are going through a difficult year as a whole world due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Cold and flu illnesses, which we would usually recover from in a week or so, have become even more important due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the symptoms of cold, flu and COVID 19 are similar and the diseases can be confused. This may cause the patient to worry about whether he or she has COVID 19. So what are the similarities and differences between cold, flu and COVID 19? Flu is a seasonal disease and its attacks begin in autumn and are effective throughout the winter. The causative agent of cold is various viruses. It causes runny nose, weakness and mild fever. The patient usually recovers in a few days. Flu is a more severe condition. The causative agent is influenza virus. It causes high fever, weakness and significant muscle and joint pain. It usually leaves the patient in bed. It may be accompanied by runny nose, sore throat and nasal congestion. It improves with a few days of rest and treatment. COVID 19 may cause similar complaints as it multiplies in the upper respiratory tract. But some patients with COVID 19 may experience significant loss of taste and smell. These symptoms are more common in COVID-19 attacks than in flu and cold. Loss of smell and taste along with flu symptoms should be a warning for the patient about a COVID 19 attack. In addition, COVID 19 can quickly spread to the lower respiratory tract, that is, the trachea and lungs. In this case, the patient may complain of cough, significant shortness of breath and expectoration. The distinction between seasonal flu and COVID 19 cannot be made clearly clinically. It is possible to differentiate with some specific laboratory tests. Our duty here is to pay attention to social distance and not to forget to wear a mask. In addition, we drink at least two liters of water daily to keep our body strong; We should have a balanced diet. We should ventilate our home and workplace regularly if we work. We should not be deceived by the weather and dress lightly like on summer days. I wish you all healthy days.
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