Acute respiratory infections are one of the main causes of death in the world, causing the death of about four million people a year, with children and the elderly being the most affected. Dr. Miguel Tsukayama, pulmonologist of Clinica Ricardo Palma, comments that the respiratory function test, available in our pulmonology service, is the most complete in the country and is very helpful to evaluate the proper functioning of the lungs, measuring their size and air flow. On the other hand, he emphasizes that respiratory diseases tend to occur mostly during seasonal changes and that at present special attention should be paid to three of them: colds, influenza (flu) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by COVID-19. He also explains how they are spread and how they can be differentiated.

How are they spread?

Cold, influenza and coronavirus viruses can spread:

• From person to person, when they are in close contact within 2 meters of each other.
• Through droplets that are spread through the air when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• Another way of transmission is by touching a surface or object containing the virus and then touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

What is the difference?

• Colds cause nasal congestion and sneezing, as well as coughing, sore throat and watery eyes.
• Influenza causes sudden symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, dry cough, sore throat and muscle pain, tiredness, and general malaise.
• COVID-19, on the other hand, presents symptoms such as fever, dry cough, general malaise, sore throat, headache, diarrhea and loss of smell or taste. It can also cause complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, heart problems, blood clots, acute kidney damage, among others.

Contagion can be prevented with these four key points:

• Minimize contact with people who have symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, using masks and keeping two meters.
• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid sharing personal items and utensils.
• Maintain an airy environment

It is difficult to differentiate between cold, flu or COVID-19. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a specialist when any of these symptoms appear.

Dr. Miguel Tsukayama
Pulmonologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma