How COVID-19 Spreads

How COVID-19 Spreads

According to the MoPH and CDC, COVID-19 spreads mainly from one person to another, and can even be spread by people who are not showing symptoms through the following routes:

  • Direct Route: When people are in close contact with one another (within a meter), the virus can be released into the air through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.  It can then land in the mouths or noses of the people nearby or be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Indirect Route: Someone may get the virus by touching a surface or object that has been infected with it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. 

How to differentiate between COVID-19 and normal flu

According to the MoPH, below are signs and symptoms for how to differentiate between COVID-19 and normal flu.

Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19

Sign and symptoms of the common flu

Severe headache

Normal headache

High fever

Normal fever

No nasal congestion and runny nose

Nasal congestion and runny nose

Ordinary sneezing

Constant sneezing

No sore throat

Sore throat

Severe Shivering

Normal Shivering

Severe muscle pain

Normal muscle pain

Dry Cough

Cough with sputum