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Quiz: OTC Cold and Flu Medicines

How much do you know about treating a cold?

Christina Ianzito,

En español

Published May 06, 2021

8 Questions

78642d3c-8182-4496-929b-fc7bd6065e9f

Quiz: OTC Cold and Flu Medicines

[ {
  "question" : "What is the difference between a cold and the flu?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Colds are relatively minor viral infections of the nose and throat; a flu is a more serious respiratory viral infection",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "A cold is a bacterial infection, a flu is viral",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Both a cold and the flu are caused by airborne bacteria that settle in the lungs; the flu is just a more severe version of the illness",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "None of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Both a cold and the flu are caused by viruses. More than 200 viruses can cause colds; far fewer cause the flu, which tends to be associated with more serious symptoms, such as muscle aches and fever.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Which medication is most likely to cure a cold?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Antibiotics",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "A combination of decongestant and ibuprofen",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Herbal remedies, including honey, echinacea, menthol and eucalyptus",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "None of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "There is no cure for the common cold, only ways to alleviate symptoms, including resting, drinking fluids and taking decongestants for a stuffy nose. Never turn to antibiotics to treat a cold, which is caused by a virus: Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Who should avoid taking over-the-counter cold and flu medicines that include a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Someone with a cough",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Someone with asthma",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Someone on antibiotics",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "None of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Studies have shown that acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin may worsen asthma (as well as peptic ulcers). You should also note that cold remedies often contain multiple ingredients, so check the active ingredients to make sure you’re not getting too much of any one medication.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "You should speak with your doctor before taking decongestants for cold or flu symptoms if you have:",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "High blood pressure",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Diabetes",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Prostate problems",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Medications for all these conditions (as well as asthma) can interact with decongestants. So people who have one or more of them should consult with their physicians before taking decongestants.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "What are antitussives and expectorants?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "They both dry up mucus",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Antitussives dry up nasal congestion and expectorants clear the lungs",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Antitussives are cough suppressants and expectorants thin mucus",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Antitussives prevent the sneeze reflex and expectorants alleviate a sore throat",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Antitussives (usually dextromethorphan) inhibit the cough reflex, while expectorants (typically guaifenesin) thin the mucus that coats air passages.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "What is pseudoephedrine and why is it sold behind the counter?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "A pain reliever that can be addictive",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "A cousin of cocaine that can ease flu symptoms, but has been abused by people who have become addicted",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "A decongestant that can be used by criminals to synthesize the illegal drug methamphetamine",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "A cough suppressant that often is the target of shoplifters because of its high price",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Pseudoephedrine has been used as an incredient in the synthesis of methamphetamine, also known as meth, crystal, crank and speed. So stores sell it from behind the counter, and, depending on state laws, have limits on the amount that can be purchased.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Who should take a prescription drug to treat the flu?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "People with a condition that puts them at high risk of developing complications from the flu, such as asthma or lung disease",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Adults age 65 or older",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "People who are obese (Body mass index of 40 or higher)",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Antiviral drugs can lessen fever and flu symptoms and shorten the time that you are sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They work best when they are started within two days of getting sick.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "How does chicken soup make someone with a cold feel better?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "It doesn't",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "It loosens congestion and prevents dehydration",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "It has tryptophan to help you relax",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "It is a natural cough suppressant",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Chicken soup's warmth can ease congestion, and fluids are important when fighting off a cold. Some ingredients in the soup also may have anti-inflammatory properties. And it tastes good!",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

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Quiz: OTC Cold and Flu Medicines

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Christina Ianzito is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist who joined AARP in 2010. She’s the travel and books editor for aarp.org and AARP The Magazine and also edits and writes health, entertainment and other stories for aarp.org. She received a 2020 Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing.