Table 1.

Contrasting the Seasonal Flu (Influenza A and B) and COVID-19

	Flu	COVID-19
R0 number*	1.3	2–2.5
Incubation time, d	1–4	1–14
Hospitalization rate, %	2	19
Case fatality rate, %	≤0.1	1–3.4
Pandemics/prevention	Vaccine available; herd immunity†	No vaccine; preventative measures advised

*R0 number indicates viral transmission rate. It estimates how many people will be infected by the average individual with the disease.

†Seasonal flu is different from a flu pandemic (Swine flu). With annual flu vaccination, we have established herd immunity that reduces both the risk of being infected or that of infecting another individual who may be at high risk.