Influenza: Quiz

1. The best time to get the flu vaccine is:

Answer: B. It’s best to get the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available. It takes at least 2-weeks for the vaccine to take effect. Since flu season can start as early as October, you should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

2. For the 2016-2017 flu year, the Centers for Disease Control is not recommending the nasal spray form of the influenza vaccine. The reason for this is because:

Answer: C: For the 2016 – 2017 influenza season, the Centers for Disease Control is not recommending the nasal spray form of the vaccine because it has lost its effectiveness in adults or children.

3. Other than the flu shot, the best way to prevent the flu is:

Answer: D There are a number of steps you can take to prevent the flu each year, according to Dr. Shira Doron, Associate Hospital Epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center. Washing your hands frequently throughout the day helps prevent the spread of germs. Try to avoid people who are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory infection, and make sure you take care of yourself during flu season, getting plenty of rest and good nutrition.

4. Hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of germs. The best way to wash hands is to do it frequently with:

Answer: B: According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry your hands using warm water and regular soap a few times a day, before eating, and after using the bathroom. If regular soap is not available or you are not near a sink, use hand sanitizer. How long should you wash? About 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday – twice!).

5. If you get the flu or flu-like symptoms, you should:

Answer: B: The CDC recommends that anyone with flu-like symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (meaning, the fever must be gone without the use of fever-reducing medications). The only exception to this is if you require medical care.

6. Which of the following groups should not receive an annual flu shot?

Answer: D: Guidelines this year say the flu shot is safe for pregnant women, elders and children over the age of six months.

7. Which of these is not typically a symptom of the flu?

Answer: B While sometimes there can be stomach upset with influenza, there is no such thing as a “stomach flu.” Serious bouts of vomiting or diarrhea are more likely to be caused by another type of virus and not influenza.

8. If you do get sick, your doctor may be able to prescribe an antiviral medication. This medication can:

Answer: C A prescription antiviral drug may be prescribed to those at risk of serious flu complications. This medication can help with the severity of flu symptoms and shorten the amount of time you suffer with the flu.