

Learn About COVID-19
What is the difference between Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19?
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
Flu Symptoms
- fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
What are the emergency warning signs of flu?
In children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- Ribs pulling in with each breath
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
- Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
- Not alert or interacting when awake
- Seizures
- Fever above 104°F
- In children less than 12 weeks, any fever
- Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
Worsening of chronic medical conditions
In adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse
- Seizures
- Not urinating
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
Worsening of chronic medical conditions
Symptoms of Coronavirus
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
At greater risk of requiring hospitalization or dying if diagnosed with COVID-19
What you need to know
- Risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk.
- Certain medical conditions can also increase risk for severe illness.
- People at increased risk, and those who live or visit with them, need to take precautions to protect themselves from getting COVID-19.
Increased Risk of Hospitalization or Death
Age Increases Risk for Severe Illness
The risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk.
- hospitalization,
- intensive care, or a
- ventilator to help them breathe, or
they may even die.
Age Increases Risk for Hospitalization
Older adults are at greater risk of requiring hospitalization or dying if they are diagnosed with COVID-19. As you get older, your risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 increases.
Compared to younger adults, older adults are more likely to require hospitalization if they get COVID-19
Hospitalization | Death | |
---|---|---|
18-29 years | Comparison Group | Comparison Group |
30-39 years | 2x higher | 4x higher |
40-49 years | 3x higher | 10x higher |
50-64 years | 4x higher | 30x higher |
65-74 years | 5x higher | 90x higher |
75-84 years | 8x higher | 220x higher |
85+ years | 13x higher | 630x higher |
Certain Medical Conditions Can Increase Risk
Other factors can also increase your risk for severe illness, such as having certain underlying medical conditions. By understanding the factors that put you at an increased risk, you can make decisions about what kind of precautions to take in your daily life.
If you have an underlying medical condition, you should continue to follow your treatment plan:
- Continue your medicines and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your healthcare provider.
- Have at least a 30-day supply of prescription and non-prescription medicines. Talk to a healthcare provider, insurer, and pharmacist about getting an extra supply (i.e., more than 30 days) of prescription medicines, if possible, to reduce your trips to the pharmacy.
- Do not delay getting emergency medical care because of COVID-19. Emergency departments have contingency infection prevention plans to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care.
- Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your underlying medical conditions or if you get sick and think that you may have COVID-19. If you need emergency help, call 911 right away.
- If you don’t have a healthcare provider, do a search at San Antonio Regional Hospital's Find a Physician or contact your local health department.
Information gathered from CDC website