The holiday season approaches, but so does the gift that will not stop giving — flu season. While the influenza virus can circulate at any time of the year, flu season peaks from December to February. The flu is a serious illness that can lead to pneumonia, bacterial infections, hospitalization, or worse. Take our quiz and arm yourself with the knowledge of how to identify the illness, treat it, and avoid it altogether so that holiday cheer will be the only gift you share with your loved ones this flu season.
1. Which of the following illnesses can easily be confused with the flu?
A. The common cold
B. SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19
C. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
D. Other illnesses like human parainfluenza viruses (HPIV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and more
E. All of the above
2. True or false? Colds and flu share many symptoms and are both contagious respiratory illnesses, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, though cold symptoms are usually milder than flu.
3. The influenza virus frequently causes which of the following symptoms?
A. Abrupt onset of symptoms
B. Fever, aches, headache, and chills
C. Fatigue and weakness
D. Chest discomfort and cough
E. All of the above
4. Which of the following symptoms are commonly seen with the common cold, but can also less commonly be seen with the flu, making it difficult to know which is making you sick?
A. Sneezing
B. Stuffy nose
C. Sore throat
D. All of the above
5. Which of the following is NOT a way that the virus that causes the flu spreads from person to person?
A. Through small droplets of moisture, called respiratory droplets, that are expelled into the air when someone infected with the flu sneezes, coughs, or talks.
B. From coming into contact with an infected person’s vomit.
C. Through touching a surface that has the flu virus on it and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
D. None of the above
6. True or false? Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu.
7. Which of the following is the reason the flu vaccine might give you mild side effects like low-grade fever, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, nausea, or tenderness at the injection site?
A. It is a side effect of your body’s production of protective antibodies against the inactive flu virus in the vaccine.
B. The flu vaccine makes you more likely to get another respiratory infection.
C. A flu vaccine gives you the flu.
D. None of the above
8. Which of the following are additional ways to protect yourself from getting the flu?
A. Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t possible.
B. Avoid touching your face whenever possible, especially your eyes, mouth, and nose.
C. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
D. All of the above
9. True or false? Those infected with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their symptoms start, but you can be contagious for up to 10 days after becoming sick, and children or those with weakened immune systems might be contagious for even longer.
10. What should you do if you think you have the flu?
A. Stay home and avoid contact with others to help prevent the spread of the flu.
B. See a doctor to get tested for the flu.
C. See a doctor for treatment, like antiviral drugs, that can help you feel better faster and make your symptoms less severe.
D. All of the above
11. True or false? The flu can be deadly, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children, those with compromised immune systems, and the elderly, so it’s important to seek flu treatment as soon as possible.
compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH/Resources: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Advent Health, Mayo Clinic.
ANSWERS
- E. All of the above
- True
- E. All of the above
- D. All of the above
- B. The influenza virus is not spread through contact with vomit, but norovirus (called the “stomach flu”) is.
- True
- A. It is a side effect; the symptoms subside in 24 to 48 hours.
- D. All of the above
- True.
- D. All of the above
- True