Distinguishing between COVID-19 and influenza during the early stages by measurement of peripheral blood parameters.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This study aims to examine the changes in peripheral blood parameters during the early stages of COVID-19 and influenza. Methods We analysed the peripheral blood parameters of 169 COVID-19 patients and 131 influenza patients during the early onset stage. Results from the COVID-19 patients were compared with those from healthy controls and influenza patients. In addition, results from patients with common and severe COVID-19 were further compared. Results There were significant differences between COVID-19 and influenza patients in terms of age, white blood cell count, platelet count, percentage of neutrophils, percentage of lymphocytes, percentage of monocytes, percentage of eosinophils, percentage of basophils, neutrophil count and monocyte count. Two parameters (monocyte count and percentage of basophils) were combined to clarify the diagnostic efficacy of COVID-19 and influenza and the area under the curve was found to be 0.772. Conclusion Comparison of peripheral blood parameters from common COVID-19, severe COVID-19 and influenza patients revealed many differences during the early disease stages. The diagnostic formula developed by this study will be of benefit for physicians in the differentiation of COVID-19 and influenza. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.