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Harri Hemilä

Senior Researcher (Department of Public Health), University of Helsinki

Expertise: Nutrition, Dietetics, Infectious Diseases, Immunology
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  • claim (1)

Time article accurately describes distinguishing features between influenza infection and infection by other respiratory viruses

“Generally accurate. However, the main issue is that influenza viruses can also cause a “cold”, i.e. upper respiratory tract infection. A “cold” is a symptom/diagnosis whereas “influenza” is a virus that can cause symptoms such as a cold. There could be a better distinction by saying there are lots of viruses (flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), rhinovirus, coronavirus, etc.) that cause respiratory infections including ‘colds’ and ‘chest infections’.”