How similar is covid-19 to the flu?

Stokel-Walker, Chris

doi:10.1136/bmj.o2625

Cited by 4 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…There is now consolidated perception that after we have holistically learnt to live with the flu, it is very likely that we will now need to finally learn to live with SARS-CoV-2 as well, since this new coronavirus is on its way to become an(other) endemic human pathogen (19). Nonetheless, underrating the potentially detrimental clinical consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infections, or reclassifying COVID-19 "just like the flu" (13), may turn out to be paramount (even irreversible) mistakes, provided that reliable epidemiological data will be brought in support of this "attenuation and mitigation" thesis.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Nationwide analysis of COVID-19 death rate throughout the pandemic in Italy

Mattiuzzi¹,

Lippi²

2022

Preprint

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Background: No definitive epidemiological evidence is available on SARS-CoV-2 lethality during the surge of different variants of concern (VoCs) and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in relation to Influenza virus fatality. Methods: We collected and longitudinally analyzed official data about new COVID-19 cases and COVID-9 related deaths throughout the pandemic in Italy, which were then compared with the recent flu-related fatality rate. Results: The mortality rate of COVID-19 has declined from 3.53% during predominance of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain to 0.26-0.21% after surge of the new Omicron sublineages BA.1/2 and BA.4/5, when the nationwide COVID-19 vaccine coverage with primary cycle and booster doses has been concomitantly extended to 90.2% and 84.5% of the general population ≥12 years, respectively. The death rate of COVID-19 was approximately 11-fold higher than that of flu (i.e., 3.53% versus 0.32%) at the beginning of the pandemic, but has then become 36% lower after widespread COVID-19 vaccine coverage and surge of Omicron sublineages BA.4/5. Conclusions: Although our data seem to underline a reassuring epidemiological scenario, with the death rate of COVID-19 currently lower than that of influenza in Italy, we reemphasize the importance of preventing further surge of aggressiveness (and potential lethality) of SARS-CoV-2, especially in the most vulnerable parts of the population.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is hence not surprising that widespread perception is gaining momentum that the clinical severity of the disease caused by the currently predominant SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages may be comparable to that caused by the flu (13).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nationwide analysis of COVID-19 death rate throughout the pandemic in Italy

Mattiuzzi¹,

Lippi²

2022

Preprint

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“…6,7 Since these respiratory viruses cause similar symptoms such as colds, wheezing, asthma, recurrent respiratory infections, and even fatal pneumonia, it is challenging to determine the appropriate treatment for individual patients. 8,9 Additionally, co-infection with multiple respiratory viruses increases the infectivity that exacerbates patient conditions. 10−12 In addition, the effects of mycotoxins on the immune system have attracted more attention.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Respiratory diseases caused by severe acute respiratory viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus) have significantly threatened global health. − These viruses are highly infectious, are variable, and can spread quickly among populations and have triggered several global pandemics that resulted in millions of deaths and disabilities. , These pandemics highlight the unmet diagnostic need to accurately identify and screen patients with respiratory viral infections to facilitate precise management and treatment. , Since these respiratory viruses cause similar symptoms such as colds, wheezing, asthma, recurrent respiratory infections, and even fatal pneumonia, it is challenging to determine the appropriate treatment for individual patients. , Additionally, co-infection with multiple respiratory viruses increases the infectivity that exacerbates patient conditions. − In addition, the effects of mycotoxins on the immune system have attracted more attention. The damages to the immune system caused by mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, and ochratoxin A) mainly consist of injury to immune organs, programmed cell death of immune cells, and alterations in the secretion of immune factors, which greatly increase the risk of infection with respiratory viruses. , Therefore, the early and simultaneous detection of respiratory viruses and mycotoxins is essential for rapidly guiding clinical treatment for patients.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Wash-Free Spheres-on-Sphere Strategy for On-Site and Multiplexed Biosensing

Lu,

Zhan,

Huang

et al. 2024

ACS Nano

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Respiratory infections and food contaminants pose severe challenges to global health and the economy. A rapid onsite platform for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and a reduced healthcare burden. Herein, we present a spheres-on-sphere (SOS) platform for multiplexed detection using a portable Coulter counter, which employs millimeter-and micron-sized spheres coupled with antibodies as multitarget probes. The assay allows for quantitative detection of multiple analytes within 20 min by simple mixing, enabling on-site detection. The platform shows high accuracy in identifying three respiratory viruses (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and parainfluenza virus) from throat swab samples, with LOD of 50.7, 32.4, and 49.1 pg/mL. It also demonstrates excellent performance in quantifying three mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, and ochratoxin A) from food samples. The SOS platform offers a rapid on-site approach with high sensitivity and specificity for applications in resource-limited settings.

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“…At this time, many are unaware of the possibility of using methods like reflexology, apitherapy, or herbal medicine, and thereby undermining the value of natural medicines and their derivatives. 7 Common people and prominent medical researchers mostly focus on medications of chemical origin, but which have antiviral properties (against the human immunodeficiency virus -HIV, SARS, MERS, influenza, etc. ), and also turn to immunostimulants for disease prevention.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternative therapies for viral infections caused by SARS-Cov-2

Risto,

Hamiti,

Rrapaj

2024

Fisioter. mov.

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Introduction The relevance of the studied topic lies in the complexity of the treatment of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Objective To discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of alternative treatments compared to conventional medical approaches, and to highlight the importance of collaborative communication between patients and healthcare providers in making informed decisions about alternative treatments of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods The research methodology employed literature analysis methods, including bibliographic and bibliosemantic approaches. The study used theoretical, systematic, and statistical methods, including analysis, synthesis, generalization, interpretation, classification, and meta-analysis to explore alternative treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infections, their interrelationships, and statistical trends in incidence. Results The study identifies diverse alternative therapies for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections, highlighting herbal medicine, acupuncture, reflexology, biohacking, homoeopathy, and magnetotherapy. It underscores the potential benefits of herbal remedies like garlic, ginger, chamomile, and honeysuckle, as well as vitamins (C, D, B12) and minerals (zinc, selenium) in managing COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusion While of-fering holistic benefits, these therapies warrant cautious consideration due to limited scientific backing and potential interactions. Cultural understanding, patient-provider dialogue, and informed choices are key in harnessing the potential of alternative medicine along-side conventional approaches for managing COVID-19 challenges.

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How similar is covid-19 to the flu?

Cited by 4 publications

References 13 publications

Nationwide analysis of COVID-19 death rate throughout the pandemic in Italy

Nationwide analysis of COVID-19 death rate throughout the pandemic in Italy

A Wash-Free Spheres-on-Sphere Strategy for On-Site and Multiplexed Biosensing

Alternative therapies for viral infections caused by SARS-Cov-2

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