Name that Illness!
Itchy, red eyes are typically a symptom of what common health condition?
Seasonal allergies
Name two ways you can protect yourself from getting the flu this flu season.
Get the flu shot, wash/sanitize your hands, wear a mask, avoid touching your face, avoiding sharing food/drink/utensils with others
True or False: Strep throat is a bacterial infection.
True! Strep throat is caused by bacteria, and antibiotics are typically required to cure the infection and prevent future complications such as heart or kidney problems.
Which of these are common symptoms of influenza?
A. Fever | B. Headache | C. Muscle aches
D. Exhaustion | E. Ears falling off | F. All of the above except E
F. All the above except E (usually)
List 3 of the 6 most common illnesses among teens and young adults.
Common cold, influenza ("the flu"), seasonal allergies, strep pharyngitis ("strep throat"), viral gastroenteritis (sometimes mistakenly called "stomach flu"), COVID
Name two common illnesses which can cause fever and chills.
COVID, flu, strep throat, viral gastroenteritis
For how long should you wash your hands to protect yourself and others from infectious illnesses?
For at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing “Happy birthday” twice.
True or False: You should stop taking antibiotics once your symptoms are gone.
False! You should take antibiotics for as long as they’ve been prescribed. If you stop taking them too soon, some bacteria may survive and make you sick all over again, and antibiotics might not work as well when you need them in the future.
Name a symptom that means you should definitely stay home from work or school.
Vomiting, diarrhea, fever over 100.4, sore throat
Name two of the most important times to wash or sanitize your hands.
Before preparing food, before eating or drinking, after using the bathroom, after getting off public transit, before and after touching your face
Name three illnesses that can cause a sore throat.
COVID, strep throat, common cold, flu, seasonal allergies
True or False: The new COVID booster is only recommended for immunocompromised people and those older than 65, since they're at highest risk.
False! Protection from the COVID vaccine decreases with time, and the newest booster has been updated to give you the best protection from the currently circulating strains, so it is recommended that everyone get this year's booster.
True or False: Antibiotics can help you recover faster from a bad cold.
False! Antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial infections. The common cold is a viral infection, so antibiotics won’t help and could even harm. The best treatment for a cold is supportive care such as drinking fluids, getting lots of rest, and eating nutritious food.
Name something you can do to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies, which may include itchy red eyes, a runny/stuffy nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Taking a hot shower (especially before going to bed), changing your pillowcase regularly, using saline/nasal spray, cool compress/washcloth on the eyes, antihistamines
True or False: When you have viral gastroenteritis (sometimes called “stomach flu” or “food poisoning”), you should eat spicy food to help clear out your system.
False! Avoid spicy, fatty, and fried foods, raw fruits and vegetables, and dairy.
Name a common infectious illness that requires antibiotics to treat.
Strep pharyngitis (also known as “strep throat”). The common cold, the flu, COVID, and viral gastroenteritis are all caused by viruses, so antiBIOTICS won’t help!
True or False: You can’t get the flu shot and a COVID booster at the same time.
False! You can absolutely get both at the same time.
True or False: If you have strep throat, you should replace your toothbrush after you have been on antibiotics for 48 hours.
True! This helps keep you from reinfecting yourself.
What is one way to recognize you’re getting dehydrated from vomiting/diarrhea?
Peeing less than normal, dark-colored urine, extreme thirst, exhaustion, sunken eyes, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, skin that doesn't snap back when pinched
How long should you stay home after getting viral gastroenteritis (sometimes mistakenly called “stomach flu”)?
Viral gastroenteritis is HIGHLY contagious, so you should stay home until you have been without diarrhea or vomiting for 24 hours.