Test Your Colds and Flu IQ

Learn how to protect yourself from common colds and flu. Take this "true or false" quiz.

1. Antibiotics cure the common cold.

• False. Antibiotics do not work for viruses. Viruses cause colds, flu, many sore throats and most coughs. Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections and should only be used for this type of infection.

2. You only have to get a flu shot once.

• False. The flu vaccine is not the same each year. The vaccine is made specifically for the type of virus that is expected for that particular year. So, you should get a new flu shot every year.

3. Frequent hand washing will help you prevent colds.

• True. Some viruses can survive on your hands for hours. You can become infected by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Not sharing utensils, glasses or cups with an infected person also helps prevent colds.

4. When you have a cold, you should drink lots of fluids.

• True. You lose a lot of fluid when you have a cold or fever. You can become dehydrated easily. Check with your doctor if your fluid intake has been restricted because of some other medical problem.

5. Children have more colds than adults.

• True. Children have about six to 10 colds a year, while adults have two to four on average.

6. You are considered most contagious early on when symptoms of a cold first appear.

• True. You are most contagious in the first few days of a cold, but you may be able to spread the infection for up to a few weeks.

7. You can catch a cold by going outside with wet hair, by sitting in a draft or by not wearing a hat.

• False. In spite of what your mother said, cold and flu viruses are transmitted only when they enter your body through an opening such as the nose or mouth.

8. People who are allergic to eggs should not take the flu vaccine.

• True. The vaccine is made with egg proteins and could cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to eggs.