Cold vs. Flu
This illness usually has a gradual onset with sneezing and a runny nose
What is the common cold
Flu symptoms usually appear within how many days after exposure
What is 1–4 days
Children under this age are especially vulnerable to flu complications
What is 5 years old (especially under 2)
Everyone older than this age should get the flu vaccine each year
What is 6 months
The CDC recommends washing hands for at least this long
What is 20 seconds
This illness usually has a sudden onset with fever, body aches, and fatigue
What is the flu
Cold symptoms are usually worst on which days
What are days 2–3
Adults over this age are at greater risk of hospitalization from flu
What is 65 years old
The best time to get a flu shot is during these months
What is September–October
Name one high-touch surface where germs live for hours to days
What are phones, doorknobs, light switches, shopping carts, bus rails, etc.
Both cold and flu are what type of illnesses affecting the lungs and airways
What are respiratory illnesses
This is the most common way flu and cold germs spread
What are droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking
People with this common lung condition have a higher chance of severe flu
What is asthma or COPD
This type of flu vaccine uses a live but weakened virus
The nasal spray flu vaccine (LAIV — Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine)
A bleach solution for disinfecting surfaces can be made with this ratio
What is 4 tsp bleach in 1 quart water
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. The cold is caused by what?
What are rhinoviruses (another seasonal virus)
Flu viruses can spread up to how many feet when a person coughs or sneezes
What is up to 6 feet
Besides age, name two types of health problems that make the flu more dangerous
What are weakened immune systems, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, cancer, HIV/AIDs, Stroke, or blood disorders
This vaccine is recommended to prevent pneumonia, a dangerous flu complication
What is the pneumococcal vaccine (PCV or PPSV23)
Name two prevention strategies besides vaccines
What are wearing masks, disinfecting surfaces, using sanitizer, social distancing, or covering coughs/sneezes
How long are most adults contagious after getting the flu
What is 3–5 days, but can last up to 7 days. Children and people with weak immune systems can spread it even longer
After touching a shopping cart or bus handle, what’s the easiest way germs can get into your body
What is touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands
Living in these types of settings increases risk due to close contact
What are nursing homes, assisted living, or long-term care facilities
Besides doctors offices, name two places in Omaha where you can get a flu or pneumonia vaccine
What are local pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, Hy-Vee, or Walmart, and community clinics like the Douglas County Health Department, OneWorld, YMCA free clinics, or Visiting Nurse Association events
Special step adults 65 and older take to better protect themselves from the flu
What is a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine (which strengthens their immune response)