Although their symptoms are similar, the coronavirus differs from flu in that there is no widespread immunity to it – the only people likely to have immunity are those who have already had it.
What’s more, unlike flu, there are no vaccines to give to those who are most at risk. The flu can be caused by a number of different strains of influenza viruses, while Covid-19 is caused by one virus, the novel 2019 coronavirus. While the flu and Covid-19 can both be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, Covid-19 might also be spread through the air when tiny droplets hang in the air even after an infected person leaves the room.
Both the flu and any coronavirus, including Covid-19, may be prevented by frequent, thorough hand washing, coughing into your elbow, staying home when sick and limiting contact with infected people.