The Flu: Fact or Fiction

Wrong. The flu shot only reduces your chance of infection if the prevalent viruses are the same as the ones in the vaccine.

(You have six questions to go.)

Correct. The flu shot only reduces your chance of infection if the prevalent viruses are the same as the ones in the vaccine.

(Only six questions to go.)

Incorrect. The term influenza goes all the way back to 15th century Italy. In those days, they believed the disease was caused by the influence of the stars and planets.

(Five questions left.)

Right. The term influenza goes all the way back to 15th century Italy. In those days, they believed the disease was caused by the influence of the stars and planets.

(Five questions left.)

Grandma was right. Hot chicken soup soothes a sore throat and provides essential nutrients necessary for regaining strength. Once you've got the flu, however, there's no magic cure. Stay well-hydrated, get plenty of bed rest, and let time (and chicken soup) prevail.

(You're half way there!)

Not so. Hot chicken soup soothes a sore throat and provides essential nutrients necessary for regaining strength. Once you've got the flu, however, there's no magic cure. Stay well-hydrated, get plenty of bed rest, and let time (and chicken soup) prevail.

(You're half way there!)

Alas, it's true. Although decongestants provide blessed temporary relief, your stuffy nose is likely to come back in full force when the decongestant is discontinued. Read labels carefully for recommended dosages and length of use.

Some people still use a home remedy that continues to be recommended by professionals: Using a mixture of horseradish and red/cayenne pepper, place a small pinch under the nostrils or on the tongue, or add some directly to food. Whoo!

(Just three questions to go.)

Wrong. Heavy users of nasal decongestants can become dependent on them. Although these products provide blessed temporary relief, your stuffy nose is likely to come back in full force when the decongestant is discontinued. Read labels carefully for recommended dosages and length of use.

Some people still use a home remedy that continues to be recommended by professionals: Using a mixture of horseradish and red/cayenne pepper, place a small pinch under the nostrils or on the tongue, or add some directly to food. Whoo!

(Just three questions to go.)

Incorrect. There are several proven ways to lower your chances of getting the flu, which is spread via airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes. During flu season, try to avoid overheated, crowded rooms. Wash your hands frequently. And when you sneeze, flush the tissues rather than letting them pile up in a wastebasket.

Right. There are several proven ways to lower your chances of getting the flu, which is spread via airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes. During flu season, try to avoid overheated, crowded rooms. Wash your hands frequently. And when you sneeze, flush the tissues rather than letting them pile up in a wastebasket.

Correct. Flu, often complicated by pneumonia, ranks sixth among the leading causes of death in the United States. That's why it's important to pay attention to news reports about the severity of the epidemic each year. If a particularly virulent strain is coming your way, you may want to talk to your doctor about a flu shot.

(One final question. Then we'll see how you did.)

Wrong. Flu, often complicated by pneumonia, ranks sixth among the leading causes of death in the United States. That's why it's important to pay attention to news reports about the severity of the epidemic each year. If a particularly virulent strain is coming your way, you may want to talk to your doctor about a flu shot.

(One final question. Then we'll see how you did.)

Incorrect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the period between infection and onset of symptoms (incubation period) for influenza is 1 to 4 days. A person with influenza can be contagious 1 day before symptoms appear and for 3 to 7 days after the onset of symptoms. Children can be contagious for longer than 7 days.

Correct. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the period between infection and onset of symptoms (incubation period) for influenza is 1 to 4 days. A person with influenza can be contagious 1 day before symptoms appear and for 3 to 7 days after the onset of symptoms. Children can be contagious for longer than 7 days.