Dr. Vickiʼs Flu Quiz
The season of coughing and sneezing is upon us. How much do you know about the flu? Take this quiz and find out.
1. True or False
The average human cough shoots a jet of air, saliva and viruses several feet long.
Teach your kids to keep others healthy by coughing and sneezing into the crook of their elbow. That traps the virus on a surface that does not spread germs.
2. According to Dr. Oz, the average person picks their nose:
B. When they’re congested
C. When nobody’s watching
D. Five times an hour.
The average person touches the inner surface of their nose five times an hour. Each time an unwashed finger makes contact with the lining of the nose, this person runs the risk of catching the flu.
3. Flu viruses can live outside the body
A. 2 seconds
B. 2 minutes
C. 2 hours
D. 2 days
Viruses can remain active on a surface for a few minutes to 48 hours. Flu viruses can stick to your fingers when you touch a contaminated surface, then get in your body when you eat a carrot or rub your eyes.
Wash your hand frequently. And when you’re cleaning, the house, remember to clean light switches, door knobs, TV remotes, keyboards and cell phones.
4. You can pick up the flu when you:
A. Spend time with sick people
B. Go to the gym
C. Handle money
D. All of the above.
During flu season, viruses are everywhere. (See the previous questions) Protect yourself with frequent hand-washing. Use warm soapy water and sing the birthday song twice. Get rid of the towels next to the sink; they’re Petrie dishes. Instead, use paper towels during flu season. Keep hand sanitizer in purses, backpacks and brief cases.
5. True or False The flu vaccine can give you the flu.
The injectable flu vaccine is made from inactivated (killed) virus.
6. True or False
Donʼt get your flu shot before September or after November.
To get the best protection, get immunized as soon as the flu shot becomes available. Further, you can benefit by getting a flu shot through February.
7. True or False
Doctors have medicine to cure the flu.
There is no cure for the flu. Two antiviral medications--Tamiflu (a pill) and Relenza (inhaled)--shorten the course of the illness. They’re most effective if taken within 48 hours of your first flu symptoms. Your best strategy is prevention.
8. True or False
Antibiotic soap protects you from the flu.
First, antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, and the flu is caused by a virus. Second, antibiotic soap increase your risk of getting sick by killing the less dangerous bacteria and selecting for more dangerous strains.
9. True or False
If youʼre young and healthy, you donʼt need a flu shot.
Wouldn't you rather spend the holiday season celebrating than staying home with the flu and feeling miserable?
10. The flu can be dangerous for:
A. The elderly
B. Young children
C. Healthy adults
D. All of the above.
The elderly are most likely to become seriously ill from the flu, and children under 2 are most likely to be hospitalized; however, the flu can become risky for anyone, including healthy adults.
How did you do?
Give yourself one point for each right answer, and add them up. Whatʼs your score?
7 to 10 Excellent work!
Have you ever considered being a contestant on Jeopardy?
5 to 6 Good job!
Put these ideas to action and keep your family healthy this flu season!
4 or below.
You might be watching too much reality TV.
Hereʼs what you need to know:
- Get a flu shot.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Cover your cough.
Dr. Vicki Rackner 2012 All right reserved. www.DrVickiRackner.com (425) 451-3777