What can happen when infected with the emerging coronavirus and seasonal flu at the same time?

A question that begins to present itself with the approach of autumn, which marks the beginning of the flu season.

How dangerous is the meeting of the two viruses?

I - How to distinguish between the symptoms of corona and seasonal flu ?

With the beginning of the autumn season, the traditional seasons of seasonal influenza begin in most countries of the world, but the matter is getting more dangerous this year, due to the overlap of its symptoms with the symptoms of Covid-19 patients caused by the emerging corona virus.

According to the Guardian newspaper. In an effort to distinguish between the two diseases, the British National Health Service has produced a guide to distinguish the two types, which health experts hope will explain to people what disease they are suffering from.

- Corona Virus :

A Coronavirus patient has a fever of 37.8 ° C (100 ° F), a persistent dry cough, and a loss of sense of taste and smell. The patient may also sometimes suffer from pain, fatigue, sore throat, pains, headache and shortness of breath, and it is rare to have diarrhea, runny or stuffy nose, and these symptoms can range from mild to severe.

- Seasonal influenza :

While the flu symptoms include fever, fatigue, dry cough, aches, pains, and headache, patients sometimes suffer from a runny or stuffy nose or sore throat. And diarrhea can sometimes occur in children, and there is no sneezing or shortness of breath with the flu, and there is a rapid onset of symptoms often.

II - How dangerous is the coinciding of Corona virus and Seasonal flu ?

Many questions arise about the Corona virus, which continues to threaten the stability of the world, especially with the approaching influenza season, as experts study the seriousness of the Corona virus during the influenza season that is approaching. With a flu wave expected soon, researchers around the world are now interested in the question of what can happen when a person becomes infected with the Coronavirus and the flu together. Dozens of cases have been recorded with corona and influenza together, so it is very possible for the two viruses to infect the patient at the same time or in succession, that is, he was infected with influenza, for example, and the following month with the Corona virus.

Some studies have examined people who have been infected with the emerging coronavirus and found that about 20% have tested positive for at least one respiratory virus, which can be dangerous for babies and the old people in particular. While some previous research indicates that viruses can have complex interactions when infection with the two viruses is present. This may lead to more serious complications, or the effect may be preventive in the short term.

The seasonal flu vaccination may protect people from double infection with influenza and Covid-19 and reduce the total number of flu cases, which should help the health care system deal with respiratory diseases. According to what was published by the American (Forbes) website. Experts insist the need to adhere to social distancing, wear protective masks, and follow all preventive measures to avoid catching seasonal influenza or the emerging coronavirus.

III - How to protect yourself from the Coronavirus during autumn and winter seasons ?

With the approaching of Autumn and Winter seasons, warnings of a second wave of infection with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) are increasing. The German magazine "Bild der Frau" website provided several tips for better protection, despite the great fear of some people about the further spread of this virus.

No one can lock himself for all this period at home and wait for the summer, despite the cold, rain and humidity, which is the ideal atmosphere for viruses to live and the transmission of infection, going out for work or studies and shopping is necessary, so the first advice is to avoid fears, and prepare for the autumn and winter seasons.

1 - It is important to wash your hands throughout the day, and wear a mask in public places all time?

The spray coming from the mouth at the moment of coughing is the most dangerous and the fastest way to transmit the emerging corona virus, so it is necessary, despite wearing a mask, to maintain the distance.

Maintaining a distance between you and others protects you from corona and from infection caused by other viruses, and it is also necessary to ensure that there is good ventilation in case you ride public transportation.

Due to the beginning of the autumn season, and the coolness of the weather, viruses remain on surfaces for longer periods. In this case, it is necessary to wash and sterilize hands frequently, in order to avoid getting viruses to the face. Public transportation may become an ideal incubator for viruses in the winter, so try to switch the crowded means of transportation and choose times when the congestion will ease.

2 - make sure that your immune system is functioning at its absolute best :

The immune system is one of the most important means of prevention in the face of the Corona virus, in addition to washing hands with soap and water frequently for a maximum of 30 seconds,wearing the masks, and the distance is one meter from others.

As large numbers of people in the world go to analysis centers or to their doctors to check whether they have previously been infected with the Corona virus.

But the recent development in blood tests for antibodies, which can measure a person's immune response to Covid-19 disease. It may become possible to determine whether a person's immune system has built up resistance elements against the Corona virus, and many expect this to be the case as the human immune system prepares itself against future infections.

3 - Eat the immune-boosting foods :

Adopting a healthy and balanced diet will bring you many benefits, as what we eat and drink can affect our bodies' ability to fight infections, including the outbreak Corona virus, and on our chances of experiencing health problems at a later age, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer in various Its types. A healthy diet depends on various factors, such as age and level of activity, as well as the types of foods available in the societies in which we live, but there are some common nutritional advice across cultures that helps us enjoy a healthy life and a long life. For example :

* Eat a variety of foods from each of the five food groups daily, in the recommended amount.

* Reducing salt intake.

* Reducing consumption of certain types of fats and oils.

*Reducing sugar intake.

*Choose healthy fresh foods instead of processed and junk foods.