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Clinical features of COVID-19 and influenza: a comparative study on Nord Franche-Comte cluster

Souheil Zayet1, N'dri Juliette Kadiane-Oussou1, Quentin Lepiller2

  • 1Infectious Disease Department, Nord Franche-Comté Hospital, France.

Microbes and Infection
|June 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study compared clinical features of COVID-19 and influenza, finding key differences in symptoms like anosmia and dysgeusia for COVID-19, and sputum production and dyspnea for influenza. These distinctions aid in diagnosing during co-circulation of these respiratory illnesses.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) present non-specific symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
  • Differentiating between COVID-19 and influenza clinically is challenging during periods of co-circulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the distinct clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19 and influenza infections.
  • To identify specific symptoms that can help clinicians differentiate between these two respiratory viral infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective investigation of confirmed COVID-19 and influenza A/B cases at Nord Franche-Comté Hospital.
  • Diagnostic confirmation using SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus RT-PCR on respiratory samples.
  • Analysis of clinical features, outcomes, and demographic data in 124 patients.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 patients more frequently reported anosmia, dysgeusia, diarrhea, frontal headache, and bilateral crackles.
  • Influenza patients showed higher prevalence of sputum production, dyspnea, sore throat, conjunctival hyperhemia, tearing, vomiting, and rhonchi.
  • No significant differences in age, sex, or comorbidities were found, except a lower Charlson index in the COVID-19 group.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct clinical presentations exist between COVID-19 and influenza.
  • Recognizing these symptom differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management during co-circulation.
  • The study provides valuable insights for clinicians managing patients with overlapping respiratory symptoms.

Keywords:
COVID- 19Clinical featureInfluenzaInfluenza-like-illnessSARS-CoV-2

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