The Truth of covid and Flu <br />The term influenza refers to illness caused by influenza virus. This is commonly called the flu, but many different illnesses cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, aches and pains, cough, and sore throat. Influenza virus infection can cause different illness patterns, ranging from mild common cold symptoms to typical flu. Some people may be at increased risk for bacterial complications of influenza such as pneumonia, ear or sinus infections, or bloodstream infections.<br />There are a number of drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment and prevention of influenza. Yearly vaccination is the primary means of preventing and controlling influenza.<br />Antibiotics are used to treat illnesses caused by bacteria like strep throat, tuberculosis and many types of pneumonia. Antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses like flu, colds, and most sore throats.<br /> <br />Influenza and COVID-19<br />The worldwide pandemic of the disease called COVID-19 has changed the way people look at “flu-like” symptoms. COVID-19 is caused by a different virus, not an influenza virus but a coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 and influenza illnesses can have many of the same symptoms but may cause different risks of complications in some different risk groups and may need different testing, treatment, and preventive measures. These similarities and differences may be important considerations for healthcare providers and people who believe they may have been exposed or may have either of these illnesses. CDC has posted some comparisons between these two illnesses; information is accumulating and changing rapidly. The possible effect of COVID-19 exposure-avoidance measures on circulation of influenza is not fully understood. Currently approved influenza antivirals are not expected to provide benefit against COVID-19.<br /> <br />FDA Information on Seasonal Influenza<br />Visit Seasonal Flu (Influenza) and the FDA<br /> <br />Use of Antiviral Medications to Treat Influenza<br />Outbreaks of influenza occur every year and typically reach epidemic levels at some part of the season. Usually, uncomplicated influenza gets better with or