As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, comparisons have been drawn to influenza. Both cause respiratory disease, yet there are important differences between the two viruses.

Both COVID-19 and influenza are respiratory illnesses, but COVID-19 has a higher chance of infecting more people. COVID-19 is also more likely to result in severe and critical infections than the flu.

Mortality for COVID-19 also appears higher than for the flu. Finally, no known cures or vaccines currently exist for COVID-19.