A traffic reminder to wash hands and stay healthy greets drivers on a Los Angeles freeway.

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Test Your Coronavirus Knowledge With Our Quiz

Answer questions about symptoms, risk factors and more

Sarah Elizabeth Adler,

AARP

En español

Published April 21, 2020

7 Questions

2d628264-ac45-4c0f-9bbc-a864155eef3d

Test Your Coronavirus Knowledge With Our Quiz

[ {
  "question" : "The novel coronavirus responsible for the outbreak is called:",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "COVID-19",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "SARS-CoV-2",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "2019-nCoV",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "MERS-CoV-2",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Officially named SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus first identified by scientists in December 2019 has a different name than the illness it causes, which is known as COVID-19.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Scientists believe that COVID-19 is spread primarily through:",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Respiratory droplets that pass from person to person",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Contact with infected animals or pets",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Food packaging and other contaminated surfaces",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Respiratory droplets that contain the virus, such as from an infected person who coughs, sneezes or talks, can land in the mouths or noses of people close by or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, causing illness. There's no evidence that pets play a significant role in spreading COVID-19. While the virus can live on surfaces, touching contaminated objects is not thought to be the main way people are getting sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening. These three are commonly associated with the illness:",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Fever",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Cough",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Shortness of breath",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Fever, cough and shortness of breath can be signs of a COVID-19 infection. If you're experiencing symptoms, health officials say to stay home, self-isolate and seek medical care if you experience warning signs like trouble breathing or confusion.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "To keep yourself and others safe, you should:",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your face.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Clean and disinfect “high-touch” home surfaces like doorknobs daily.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Avoid contact with people who are sick, and practice social distancing.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The best way to avoid getting sick is to limit your exposure to the virus. That means forgoing any nonessential trips outside the home and minimizing contact with people outside your household. Careful hygiene, like keeping your hands and home surfaces clean, also plays an important role.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "To properly clean your hands, experts recommend washing them with soap and water for at least ___ seconds, or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least ___ percent alcohol:",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "30; 90",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "20; 70",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "30; 60",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "20; 60",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "To wash correctly, use soap and water and lather for at least 20 seconds (that's about two rounds of the “Happy Birthday” song). If you can't get to a sink, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol, covering every part of your hands and rubbing until dry.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Following social distancing guidelines means all of the following are acceptable, except:",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Going to a group meeting or event, as long as no one shakes hands or hugs",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Visiting the doctor for a concern unrelated to COVID-19",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Walking the dog",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Delivering groceries to a loved one.",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Social distancing refers to a set of practices designed to slow the spread of illness in your community, like staying six feet away from others in public. While essential trips out of the house, including grocery shopping, dog walks or doctor's visits, are okay, experts say that group gatherings of all kinds — including concerts, classes, social events and worship services — should be suspended.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "While people of all ages can be sickened by the novel coronavirus, those at increased risk of serious illness include:",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Those with preexisting conditions, like asthma or diabetes",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Adults 65 and older",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Babies and young children",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Both older adults and those with preexisting conditions",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Older adults and people of any age with preexisting conditions (including respiratory and non-respiratory diseases) are at increased risk of COVID-19 complications. Babies and young children make up a small percentage of infections in the U.S. and typically have mild symptoms.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

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Test Your Coronavirus Knowledge With Our Quiz

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Sarah Elizabeth Adler is a writer based in Washington, D.C. She has written about science, art and culture for outlets including aarp.org, where she was previously a staff writer, The Atlantic and California magazine.

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