testing for both viruses in people with an acute respiratory illness is needed to distinguish between SARS- CoV-2 and influenza virus , and to identify SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus coinfection . Coinfection with influenza A or B viruses and SARS-CoV-2 has been described in case reports and case series , but the frequency , severity , and risk factors for coinfection with these viruses versus for infection with either virus alone are unknown .”
While the range of symptoms for the two viruses is similar , the fraction with severe disease appears to be different , according to experts at the WHO ( 2020 ): “ For COVID-19 , data to date suggest that 80 percent of infections are mild or asymptomatic , 15 percent are severe infection , requiring oxygen and 5 percent are critical infections , requiring ventilation . These fractions of severe and critical infection would be higher than what is observed for influenza infection .”
How the two pathogens impact various populations must also be studied further ; from what is already known , the individuals most at risk for severe influenza infection continue to be children , pregnant women , the elderly , those with underlying chronic medical conditions , and those who are immune-suppressed . For COVID-19 , scientists maintain that older age and underlying conditions increase the risk for severe infection . As well , mortality for COVID-19 appears higher than for influenza , especially seasonal influenza , according to the WHO ( 2020 ): “ While the true mortality of COVID-19 will take some time to fully understand , the data we have so far indicate that the crude
Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) mortality ratio ( the number of reported deaths divided by the reported cases ) is between 3 percent to 4 percent , the infection mortality rate ( the number of reported deaths divided by the number of infections ) will be lower . For seasonal influenza , mortality is usually well below 0.1 percent . However , mortality is to a large extent determined by access to and quality of healthcare .”
While there are many therapeutics currently in clinical trials and more than 20 vaccines in development for COVID-19 , there are currently no licensed vaccines or therapeutics for COVID-19 . In contrast , many antivirals and vaccines are available for influenza . While the influenza vaccine is not effective against COVID-19 virus , it is highly recommended to get vaccinated each year to prevent influenza infection .
As the NIH ( 2020 ) observes , “ There are no data on the safety , immunogenicity , or effectiveness of influenza vaccines in patients with mild COVID-19 or those who are recovering from COVID-19 . Therefore , the optimal timing for influenza vaccination in these patients is unknown . The safety and efficacy of vaccinating persons who have mild illnesses from other etiologies have been documented .” On the basis of practice following other acute respiratory infections , the NIH recommends that persons with COVID-19 should receive an inactivated influenza vaccine . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has provided guidance on the timing of influenza vaccination for inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19 . The NIH ( 2020 ) adds that , “… it is not known whether dexamethasone or other