General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkMeaslesCOVID-19Seasonal influenza
AgentMeasles virusSARS-CoV-2Influenza A and B viruses
FamilyVirusVirusVirus
Paths and contextsRespiratory
Respiratory
Respiratory
What distinguishes diseaseVery contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications, especially in young unimmunized children.Respiratory infection, the forms of which range from absence of symptoms to severe illness, with the possibility of prolonged effects.Acute respiratory infection whose intensity and circulation vary by season and population.
PreventionTwo-dose vaccination is the primary preventive measure.Vaccination according to recommendations, quality indoor air and precautions adapted to the level of circulation.Vaccination as recommended, aeration, hand hygiene and limiting contact in case of symptoms.
DeepeningForm →
WHO — reference		Form →
WHO — reference		Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringA suspicion must be reported to the professional before going to the waiting room to organize the recourse and limit contacts. The confirmation is based on the medical investigations and examinations indicated. Vaccine evidence and contact history help the assessment.PCR and antigenic tests do not have the same performance. Negative antigenics may require repetition according to the package leaflet and recommendations; they do not guarantee the absence of infection.The diagnosis takes into account the circulation of viruses, the symptoms and, where appropriate, respiratory sampling. In a vulnerable person or with severe signs, consultation and therapeutic decision-making should not be replaced by an isolated self-test.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Dates of fever and rash
  • Vaccine diary and documented history of measles
  • Start date of symptoms and tests
  • Vulnerability factors and treatment
  • Start date and evolution of symptoms
  • Pregnancy, age, chronic diseases and treatments

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Respiratory. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.