KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — We are in the middle of the so called cold and flu season, but COVID-19 is overshadowing any other infection.
COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than the flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms, and people can be contagious for longer.
It's possible for people to spread the virus for about two days before experiencing signs or symptoms and remain contagious for at least 10 days after signs or symptoms first appeared.
If someone is asymptomatic or their symptoms go away, it's possible to remain contagious for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. This is what makes it so complex and part of the reason why it is so difficult to treat.
