Covid-19 or the flu? The algorithm will recognize the disease based on the symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza are the same (Fever, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, weakness) Until unambiguous symptoms appear, such as loss of sense of smell or smell, the doctor cannot tell what is wrong with the patient. Therefore, the main criterion is the time of year when infection occurs. Unfortunately, Flu season and COVID-19 overlapso we notice most cases in the fall and winter months.

Researchers in the George Mason University School of Health and Human Service Develop an algorithmWhich can distinguish COVID-19 from influenza based on symptoms of the disease.

When access to reliable COVID-19 tests is limited or test results are delayed, clinicians, especially those who work in communities, are more likely to rely on symptoms than lab test results to diagnose COVID-19. Our algorithm can help healthcare professionals prioritize care for patients awaiting lab tests or prioritize when there is a lack of research, the professor said. Farroukh Al-Alimi is from George Mason University’s School of Health and Human Service.

out of flu season, Fever is the most important indicator of COVID-19 infection. In contrast, during flu season, a person with a severe cough is more likely to catch the flu from COVID-19. It is wrong to assume that anyone who has a fever during flu season has coronavirus. The new algorithm analyzes different symptoms In patients of different ages and sexes.

The algorithm was created based on an analysis of symptoms reported by 774 Chinese and 273 Americans with COVID-19. The analysis also included 2,885 cases of influenza and 884 cases of influenza-like diseases in American patients.

Although the algorithms are useful, they are too complex to expect clinicians to do these calculations while providing care. The next step is to create an online artificial intelligence calculator that can be used in this field. This will allow doctors to make a presumptive diagnosis before the visit – the professor added. my pain.

Thanks to this algorithm, Doctors can make decisions about patient care while awaiting official lab results. It is worth emphasizing that the research did not take into account the so-called asymptomatic patients, that is, people who do not have any respiratory problems. In addition, the first and second weeks were not distinguished from the onset of symptoms, which may be different. The algorithm needs improvement, but it may also be useful in detecting other diseases.