Comparison of clinical features of two patient groups visiting a regional emergency medical center during the period when coronavirus disease 2019 and influenza were simultaneously prevalent
- Author:
Daesik MOON
1
;
Hyung Ju LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanil General Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2026;37(2):75-81
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Objective:A simultaneous outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza occurred in the latter quarter of 2023. The study aimed to provide valuable data for patient care by comparing the clinical characteristics of those diagnosed with either COVID-19 or influenza in the emergency room. This information is intended to assist healthcare providers in managing cases where both diseases are encountered concurrently.
Methods:The study involved 1,026 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 or influenza. The following were analyzed retrospectively: demographic information (age and sex), clinical symptoms (fever, fatigue, muscle pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough, sputum, runny nose, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms), laboratory (white blood cell count, C-reactive protein) and imaging tests, and hospitalization rates.
Results:COVID-19 patients were more likely to be older, experience fatigue and dyspnea, and require imaging tests and hospitalization than influenza patients. Influenza patients reported more fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, and certain other symptoms. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding sex, myalgia, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Conclusion:Despite the significant differences in age, underlying conditions, clinical symptoms, imaging tests, and hospitalization rates between the two groups, distinguishing between COVID-19 and influenza based solely on these factors is challenging. Therefore, specific testing for each disease is essential during simultaneous outbreaks for an accurate diagnosis.
