COVID
What is one way stress affects your immune system?
Stress weakens the immune system and makes you more likely to get sick.
A sudden high fever is more common in a cold or the flu?
Flu
True or False – Exercise can help boost your immune system.
Myth or Fact – Drinking lots of water helps your body recover from illness.
Fact
Roughly how many germs can live on your hands at any given time: hundreds, thousands, or millions?
Millions
True or False – You should always ask for antibiotics if you have the flu.
False (flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics treat bacteria).
Myth or Fact – Going outside in the cold without a coat gives you a cold.
Myth
Myth or Fact – You can spread the flu before you feel sick.
Fact
Myth or Fact – Flu shots can give you the flu.
Myth
True or False – The word “influenza” comes from an Italian word meaning “influence.”
True (originally thought the stars influenced illness).
What is the single best way to prevent the flu?
Get the flu vaccine
What is better for preventing illness—hand sanitizer or soap and water?
Soap and water if available
What symptom would make you think you might need medical attention instead of just rest at home?
Trouble breathing, chest pain, very high fever, or confusion.
How long should you wash your hands with soap and water to kill germs?
At least 20 seconds
Which travels faster: a sneeze or a car driving on the highway at 60 mph?
A sneeze! (Sneezes can travel up to 100 mph).
How long should you quarantine if you have Covid?
At least 5 days if asymptomatic and wear a mask for 5 more days in public
What can you take to ease the discomfort of a high fever?
Tylenol, motrin or ibuprofen at the recommended doses
What chronic conditions make you more likely to get infections or complications from illness?
Diabetes, asthma, heart disease, COPD, weakened immune system
How far away can people spread the flu when they have it?
About 6 feet away
The flu virus can live on some surfaces for up to how many hours?
Up to 24 hours.
When to go to the hospital for a fever?
103 or higher for 3+ days
What are two ways to help yourself feel better after becoming sick?
Drink fluids, rest, take medications
What are two ways you can protect others if you feel you are getting sick?
Wear a mask, wash hands often, stay far apart from others, wipe down surfaces you touched
Where can you go to get a Covid test?
Urgent care, Care STL Health provides free tests, Walgreens/CVS, some libraries offer curbside tests for free
True or False – The average adult gets 2–3 colds per year.
True