What Do You Know About The Flu?

Indicate whether the following statements about the flu are true or false.

1. The flu is short form for influenza.

2. Children are at a higher risk of catching the flu than adults.

3. It is recommended that children 6 months and older get a flu shot.

4. Children with asthma should not get a flu shot.

5. It is recommended that children under 6 months get a flu shot.

6. Teenagers with the flu should not take aspirin.

7. The flu can be fatal.

8. A child with the flu should be kept home from school for at least 24 hours after a
fever has ended.

9. Adults age 65 years and older are more likely to catch the flu than younger adults.

10. Flu season varies by location.

11. The flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu.

12. If you are sick with flu like symptoms, you should not travel.

13. A flu vaccine can take up to two weeks to reach full effect.

14. Six countries---Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam- have
widespread and ongoing infections of H5N1 Avian flu in their poultry.

15. A flu vaccine received in Canada will protect you against the flu in other parts of the
world.

16. Washing your hands with soap does not protect against the flu.

17. If you are a healthy adult but exposed to a person with the flu, antiviral drugs can
prevent you from getting sick.

18. It might be dangerous to take flu medications with other prescription medications.
19. Antibiotics are not effective against the flu.

20. There are different types, or strains of flu?

21. Flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks in January or February.

22. You can get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and
then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.

23. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It is determined by how the disease

spreads, not how many deaths it causes.

24. A seasonal flu and a pandemic flu are the same thing.

25. Sometimes a bird flu virus can be passed to people.

26. Flu outbreaks can occur as early as October.

27. Most experts believe that the flu virus spreads mainly by droplets made when people
with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses or
people who are nearby.

28. You can pass the flu virus to somebody before you even know you are sick.

29. There are three types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C.

30. While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season varies
from year to year.

Video Clips
1. Where did the Spanish flu originate?

2. Why was it called the Spanish flu?

3. Why was the flu pandemic of 1918 so deadly?

4. Do you think another deadly pandemic like the Spanish flu could occur?