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VAN GAGELDONK: The symptoms of 
COVID-19 and flu are similar...

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but they are two different diseases.

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Flu is caused by the influenza virus.

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COVID-19 is caused by...

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the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

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Both are respiratory infections.

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Both viruses spread through droplets, that 
are released during coughing or sneezing.

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And both flu and COVID cause 
cold symptoms and coughing.

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There are also other symptoms 
that are more common in COVID.

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Like a sudden loss of smell and taste.

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There are some similarities, but 
these are two different diseases.

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It depends on the virus, on how virulent it is.

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We saw the coronavirus shift 
from the Alpha to the Delta variant.

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The flu virus is also changing constantly.

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And it also depends on the person, 
how ill they become.

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We know that people with underlying health 
conditions, such as heart or lung disease...

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often become more seriously ill, 
and this also applies to older people.

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Every time there is a flu epidemic...

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people have to go to hospital because 
of the flu, and some people die.

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Especially during the 
COVID-19 pandemic...

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it is important to monitor 
how the flu develops...

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and keep close track of pressure 
on the healthcare system.

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RIVM has been monitoring the spread 
of the influenza virus since 1970...

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so we can tell when a 
flu epidemic emerges.

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This is because of the basic measures 
to control the coronavirus.

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They are also very effective in preventing 
the influenza virus from spreading.

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Like the measures against COVID-19, 
flu can also be controlled...

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by washing your hands frequently, 
coughing or sneezing into your elbow...

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and distancing, especially 
from vulnerable people.