Can You Ace the Flu Season Quiz?

PRODUCED BY: Aaron Heintzelman and Bobby Bierley

As seasonal and swine flu worries continue to grow, it becomes more and more important to know the facts.

There are a lot of rumors floating around, providing inaccurate information about both viruses, and that could cause some major problems for those of you hoping to keep you and your family healthy.

To help dispel the rumors about the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus, we’ve compiled a list of 12 questions (6 on each topic) to help you better understand each.

We’ll start with six questions about the seasonal flu. The swine flu questions follow the seasonal, but if you want to go right to the questions about H1N1, you can click on page 8 of this quiz.

The information provided in this quiz comes from the Centers for Disease Control and is current as of Oct. 8, 2009, unless otherwise noted.

Here's the first question.

According to the CDC, what percentage of the population contracts the seasonal flu virus each year in the United States?

a. 1 to 5 percent
b. 5 to 20 percent
c. 24 to 35 percent
d. 35 to 50 percent

Answer: B. 5 to 20 percent

Seasonal flu symptoms may include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. Seasonal Flu Basics

Next Question: While many people can take care of themselves with some medication, many are hospitlized each year because of the seasonal flu.

How many people are hospitalized on average each year because of the seasonal flu?

a. Less than 100,000
b. Less than 200,000
c. More than 200,000
d. More than 300,000

Answer: C. More than 200,000

A study conducted by the CDC in 2004 looked at medical records from 1979 to 2001 from about 500 hospitals across the United States. It concluded that more than 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year, on average, for respiratory and heart conditions associated with seasonal flu. What to Do If You Get Sick

Next Question: While deaths related to H1N1 (swine) flu are atop everybody's minds these days, it's important to remember that thousands of people die each year from the seasonal flu.

How many people in the U.S. die each year from flu-related causes?

a. About 15,000
b. About 28,000
c. About 36,000
d. About 42,000

Answer: C. About 36,000

A 2003 study by the CDC used statistical modeling to come up with this number. It culled data from the nine flu seasons between 1990 and 1999 that showed the underlying cause of death for a flu patient was respiratory or circulatory disease. A 2009 study, also by the CDC made a similar estimate for data from 1993 to 2003. Preventing Flu

Next Question: This one should be easy. We gave you this info earlier in our quiz!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, which of the following is not a symptom of seasonal flu?

a. Dizziness
b. Dry cough
c. Tiredness
d. Fever

Answer: A. Dizziness

The CDC says the most common symptoms are an often-high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults. Symptoms & Severity

Next Question: The flu shot season is in high gear. Who should and shouldn't get it?

According to the CDC Web site, who should not be vaccinated against seasonal flu?

a. People with chronic medical conditions
b. Pregnant women
c. Children under 6 months old
d. Adults over 50 years old

Answer: C. Children under 6 months old

The CDC says children under 6 months are too young to be vaccinated. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting seasonal flu can get vaccinated, but people who should be vaccinated every year include children 6 months to 19 years, pregnant women and adults over 50. More Suggested Yearly Vaccinations, Plus Other Flu Shot Questions and Answers

Next Question: Sticking with the flu shot theme, do you know what is in the shot?

True or False? Both the flu shot and nasal-spray flu vaccine contain a live flu virus.

Answer: False

Only the nasal-spray has a live flu virus, although it’s in a weakened state. The standard-issue flu shot contains a dead version of the virus. 3 Ways to Prevent the Flu

We obviously can't fit everything you need to know about the flu into six short questions. The CDC Web site and Flu.gov are both useful resources for information about the seasonal flu.

Now that we've covered the basics of the seasonal flu, let's talk about the H1N1 flu virus, commonly known as swine flu.

Click onto the next page to see the first question regarding H1N1.

The 2009 H1N1 virus, or swine flu, was first detected in people in April of this year. Since then, it has spread quickly from person-to-person worldwide.

In June, the World Health Organization signaled that a pandemic was underway.

Here’s six questions you should know about the swine flu and the vaccine.

First Question: According to the CDC, H1N1 is present in how many US states?

a. 47
b. 48
c. 49
d. 50

Answer: D. 50

The CDC reports as of Sept. 26 (the last report issued), there were 47,918 reports of H1N1 virus nationwide, including cases in all 50 states. CDC FluView

Next Question: There has been talk about the neccesity for a second H1N1 shot.

True or False? Most adults and children over 10 should return for a second swine flu vaccine shot.

Answer: False

Though scientists initially thought that two doses might be required, information from clinical trials has since demonstrated the H1N1 vaccine works faster than expected. Adults and children over 10 only need one shot of the vaccine. H1N1 Vaccination Resources

Next Question: The swine flu appears to have a much different 'target audience' than the seasonal flu.

What age group is at the highest risk for H1N1 infection?

a. 6 months to 4 years
b. 5 years to 24 years
c. 25 years to 49 years
d. 50 years to 64 years

Answer: B. 5 years to 24 years

A CDC study revealed that 26.7 per 100,000 people aged 5 to 24 had been infected with H1N1. That’s compared to 22.9 per 100,000 aged 5 and younger. Swine Flu Info for Specific Groups

Next Question: More than 600 people have died nationwide because of swine flu.

What percentage of deaths have occured in children?

a. 50
b. 40
c. 30
d. 20

Answer: D. 20

Again, ages 5 to 24 are most likely to contract the disease. Q&A - Swine Flu and You

Next Question: The CDC recommends one specific group of people NOT get the H1N1 vaccine.

People age 65 and older aren’t recommended to get early doses of the H1N1 vaccine because...

a. They are most likely to get sick from a vaccine
b. Their health insurance doesn’t cover it
c. They are least likely to get sick with the virus
d. The vaccine is only designed for younger people

Answer: C. They are least likely to get sick with the virus

One study shows less than 2 in every 100,000 people aged 65 and older had been infected with H1N1. With the limited amount of early vaccines available, authorities want to make sure those who are at a higher risk for infection are treated first. H1N1 Vaccine Resources

LAST Question: We'll end with another true or false question.

True or False? Pregnant women who get the H1N1 vaccine are at a higher risk for miscarriages and other issues.

Answer: False

In fact, the CDC recommends pregnant women get a flu shot because they’re at higher risk for complications if they catch the virus. H1N1 Resources for Pregnant Women


So there it is! Did you ace the quiz? Or were there facts you didn't know about? Still have questions? Check out the links throughout the quiz or post a video or text comment below!