Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Diseases & Conditions

Cold vs Flu Quiz: Test Your Knowledge Now

Think you can ace this cold and flu quiz? Dive in and find out!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz graphic common cold flu with paper thermometer tissue virus icon prevention symbols on coral background

Ready to test your health smarts? Our free common cold or flu quiz helps you spot a scratchy throat versus a feverish onset. Tailored for wellness seekers and busy families, this cold and flu quiz covers runny noses, cough patterns, fever trends and prevention. You'll dive into a cold vs flu symptoms quiz, pick up flu prevention quiz tips on hygiene and vaccination, and revisit basics in our common cold quiz. By the end, you'll know when to rest, when to see a doctor, and top home remedies. It's quick, interactive, and gives instant feedback to boost your confidence. Curious? Start the flu or cold symptoms quiz or try the do I have the flu quiz now - and take control of your health today!

The common cold is most often caused by which virus group?
Rhinovirus
Coronavirus
Influenza A virus
Adenovirus
Rhinoviruses are responsible for up to 50% of all common cold cases. These small RNA viruses thrive in the cooler temperatures of the nasal passages. While coronaviruses and adenoviruses can also cause colds, rhinovirus remains the most common culprit. CDC: Rhinoviruses
Which symptom is more characteristic of flu than a common cold?
High fever
Mild sore throat
Runny nose
Sneezing
High fever (often over 38°C/100.4°F) is typical of influenza infections, whereas the common cold usually causes a low-grade or no fever. Influenza also often brings abrupt onset of fever combined with chills. Cold viruses predominantly affect the upper respiratory tract with milder systemic symptoms. CDC: Cold vs. Flu
Typical incubation period for the common cold is:
1-3 days
5-7 days
7-10 days
10-14 days
Most common cold viruses incubate for about 1–3 days before symptoms start. This short incubation allows rapid spread within communities. In contrast, influenza typically has a 1–4 day incubation. Understanding incubation helps with early detection and isolation. NCBI: Common Cold
The best way to reduce spread of cold and flu is:
Frequent handwashing
Taking antibiotics
Drinking hot beverages
Wearing a heavy coat
Handwashing with soap and water removes viruses from the hands and reduces transmission. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when soap and water aren’t available. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses and hot drinks or clothing have no direct antiviral effect. Good hand hygiene is a first-line prevention strategy. WHO: Hygiene
Which symptom is common to both the common cold and the flu?
Cough
Nausea
Earache
Rash
Cough is a respiratory symptom seen in both cold and influenza infections. Both viruses irritate the lining of the airways, triggering a cough reflex. While nausea can occur with flu, it’s uncommon in colds. Earache and rash are rare for both illnesses. Mayo Clinic: Common Cold
Common colds typically resolve within:
7-10 days
2-3 days
3-4 weeks
6 weeks
The average duration of common cold symptoms is about 7–10 days in healthy adults. Some symptoms, like cough or nasal drainage, can linger a bit longer but typically resolve in two weeks. Persistent symptoms beyond this timeframe may indicate a secondary infection. NCBI: Common Cold Duration
Annual influenza vaccines are recommended because:
Flu viruses change frequently
They prevent common cold
They treat flu symptoms
They are effective for life
Influenza viruses undergo constant minor and major genetic changes, requiring yearly reformulation of vaccines to match circulating strains. Vaccines stimulate antibody production against predicted strains. They do not protect against the common cold. Immunity from vaccination wanes over months, so annual shots are needed. CDC: Why Flu Vaccine Matters
How is the flu virus most commonly transmitted?
Respiratory droplets
Contaminated food
Blood contact
Mosquito bites
Influenza spreads primarily through respiratory droplets expelled when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby individuals or be inhaled into the lungs. Surface contact and then touching the mouth or nose are secondary routes. Mosquitoes and blood are not known transmission paths. CDC: Flu Transmission
What is the primary role of antibiotics in managing influenza?
Treat secondary bacterial infections
Cure the viral infection directly
Boost antiviral immunity
Prevent viral entry into cells
Antibiotics have no effect against viruses themselves. They are prescribed in flu cases only when a secondary bacterial infection, such as bacterial pneumonia, develops. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, so they are reserved for confirmed bacterial complications. WHO: Antibiotic Resistance
Which age group has the highest risk of serious flu complications?
Young children and the elderly
Teenagers
Adults aged 30-40
Healthy adults
Infants, young children under age 5, and adults over age 65 are at greatest risk for severe complications like pneumonia. Their immune systems are either still developing or weakened. Healthy adults and teenagers typically experience milder courses. CDC: People at High Risk For Flu Complications
Which of the following antivirals is commonly used to treat influenza?
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Amoxicillin
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu, is a neuraminidase inhibitor approved for treating and preventing influenza A and B. It can reduce severity and duration if started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic, while acetaminophen and ibuprofen only relieve symptoms like fever and pain. CDC: Antiviral Drugs
Which of these precautions is recommended when caring for someone with the flu?
Cover coughs with a tissue
Share utensils to stay nourished
Avoid handwashing to preserve oils
Sleep in the same bed for comfort
Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow helps prevent the spread of infectious droplets. Used tissues should be discarded immediately, and hands washed afterward. Sharing utensils or beds can increase transmission. Regular hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are key. WHO: Respiratory Hygiene
Rhinitis in the common cold refers to inflammation of the:
Nasal mucosa
Throat
Bronchi
Larynx
Rhinitis literally means inflammation (-itis) of the nose (rhino-). It manifests as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Throat inflammation is pharyngitis, bronchi inflammation is bronchitis, and larynx inflammation is laryngitis. Rhinitis is a hallmark of common cold. NCBI: Rhinitis
Which symptom is more indicative of influenza than the common cold?
Sudden onset of fever and body aches
Gradual sore throat
Mild headache
Itchy eyes
Influenza typically presents with an abrupt onset of high fever, chills, and myalgia (body aches). The common cold often begins more gradually, with milder symptoms such as sore throat and nasal congestion. Headaches and itchy eyes are more common in allergies or mild viral illnesses. CDC: Cold vs. Flu
How long after exposure do flu symptoms typically appear?
1-4 days
5-7 days
7-10 days
10-14 days
The incubation period for influenza is usually 1–4 days, with an average of about 2 days. This means people can develop symptoms or transmit the virus before they know they’re infected. A longer onset is more characteristic of other infections. Early isolation can limit spread. CDC: Flu Spread
Which cytokine is most involved in flu-related fever?
Interleukin-1
Interleukin-4
Transforming growth factor-beta
Erythropoietin
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key pyrogenic cytokine released by immune cells in response to viral infection. It acts on the hypothalamus to elevate body temperature. IL-4 and TGF-? play roles in adaptive immunity, not fever induction. Erythropoietin regulates red blood cell production. NCBI: Cytokines and Fever
The term 'antigenic drift' in influenza refers to:
Minor mutations in viral surface proteins
Major genetic reassortment
Virus entry into cells
Immune memory formation
Antigenic drift describes the frequent, small point mutations in hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins of influenza viruses. These changes require annual reformulation of vaccines. Antigenic shift, not drift, refers to major reassortment events. Drift impacts how well existing antibodies recognize the virus. CDC: How Flu Viruses Change
Why can NSAIDs like ibuprofen help flu patients?
They reduce prostaglandin-mediated fever and pain
They kill viruses directly
They boost antibody production
They encourage mucus secretion
NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing production of prostaglandins that mediate fever and pain. They do not have antiviral properties. By lowering prostaglandins, NSAIDs alleviate headache, muscle aches, and fever-related discomfort. Overuse can carry risks like stomach irritation. NCBI: NSAIDs Mechanism
What is the typical duration of viral shedding in influenza-infected adults?
5-7 days
1-2 days
10-14 days
14-21 days
Healthy adults typically shed influenza virus for about 5–7 days after symptom onset, with shedding peaking in the first 2–3 days. Young children and immunocompromised individuals can shed virus for longer. Understanding shedding duration guides isolation recommendations. CDC: Flu Transmission
A flu-related complication characterized by inflammation of the bronchi is called:
Viral bronchitis
Sinusitis
Otitis media
Laryngitis
Influenza can lead to viral bronchitis, where the bronchi become inflamed, causing cough and chest discomfort. Sinusitis affects the sinuses, otitis media affects the ear, and laryngitis affects the voice box. Bronchitis can complicate recovery if not managed properly. Mayo Clinic: Bronchitis
The hemagglutinin (HA) protein of influenza virus primarily mediates:
Viral entry into host cells
Release of new virions
Antibody neutralization
RNA replication
Hemagglutinin binds to sialic acid receptors on host cell surfaces, facilitating viral attachment and entry. Neuraminidase is responsible for virion release. While HA is targeted by neutralizing antibodies, its main function is receptor binding. RNA replication occurs inside the host cell nucleus. CDC: Flu Virus Characteristics
Which of the following is TRUE about live attenuated influenza vaccine?
It is given intranasally
It provides lifetime immunity
It contains a killed virus
It is contraindicated in children
The live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is administered via a nasal spray and contains weakened virus strains. It’s approved for use in healthy non-pregnant individuals aged 2–49 years. It does not provide lifelong immunity due to antigenic drift. Inactivated (killed) vaccines are given intramuscularly. CDC: Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
The 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain resulted from:
Reassortment of swine, avian, and human influenza genes
A point mutation of H3N2
Recombination with bacterial DNA
Laboratory synthesis
The 2009 H1N1 virus was a novel reassortant containing gene segments from North American swine, Eurasian swine, avian, and human influenza viruses. This genetic mixing created a strain to which humans had little immunity. It was neither a simple point mutation nor a lab-derived virus. WHO: H1N1 FAQ
Zanamivir’s mechanism of action involves:
Inhibition of neuraminidase enzyme
Blockage of M2 ion channels
Inhibition of RNA polymerase
Activation of interferon genes
Zanamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor that prevents release of progeny influenza virions from infected cells. Blocking neuraminidase activity reduces viral spread in the respiratory tract. M2 channel blockers like amantadine work differently, and RNA polymerase inhibitors and interferon activators are distinct classes. CDC: Flu Antivirals
Reye’s syndrome is a rare complication associated with:
Aspirin use during viral infections in children
Antibiotic use in adults
Antiviral overdose
Insufficient hydration
Reye’s syndrome is a potentially fatal condition causing acute encephalopathy and liver dysfunction in children and teens who take aspirin during viral illnesses like influenza or chickenpox. Its incidence dropped sharply after warnings against pediatric aspirin use. Antibiotics and antivirals are not implicated. Proper hydration is unrelated. CDC: Reye’s Syndrome
0
{"name":"The common cold is most often caused by which virus group?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"The common cold is most often caused by which virus group?, Which symptom is more characteristic of flu than a common cold?, Typical incubation period for the common cold is:","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Cold vs Flu Symptoms -

    Distinguish typical signs like sneezing and sore throat from the high fever and body aches characteristic of the flu. By quizzing yourself, you'll sharpen your ability to spot which illness you might have.

  2. Differentiate Onset and Duration -

    Learn how the rapid onset of flu contrasts with the gradual build-up of cold symptoms. This helps you anticipate the course of your illness and plan appropriate rest and recovery.

  3. Recall Key Prevention Strategies -

    Memorize evidence-based tips such as hand hygiene, vaccination, and social distancing to reduce your risk. Use these strategies to protect yourself and others during peak cold and flu season.

  4. Apply Self-Care and Home Remedies -

    Recognize simple remedies like hydration, rest, and over-the-counter treatments to alleviate your symptoms. You'll be ready to manage mild cases at home effectively.

  5. Evaluate When to Seek Medical Help -

    Identify red flags such as difficulty breathing or persistent high fever that signal a need for professional care. Knowing when to call a doctor can prevent complications.

  6. Enhance Flu Vaccination Awareness -

    Understand the importance of annual flu shots and who should prioritize vaccination. This knowledge empowers you to make informed health decisions each season.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Symptom Onset Timing -

    Flu symptoms typically hit fast - often within 1-4 days - while a common cold creeps in more slowly over 2-3 days. When taking a common cold or flu quiz, remember that rapid onset with high fever usually signals the flu (CDC, 2023).

  2. Symptom Severity and Profile -

    Use the FEVER mnemonic - Fever, Extreme tiredness, Vomiting (rare), Exhaustion, and Respiratory cough - to recall key flu signs versus milder cold symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing. A simple cold vs flu symptoms quiz can reinforce noticing these distinctions.

  3. Incubation Period and Illness Duration -

    Colds tend to incubate for 1-3 days and last about a week, while the flu incubates 1-4 days and often lasts 5-7 days with more intense peaks (Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2022). Remember "1-3 for cold, 1-4 for flu" as a quick study trick.

  4. Essential Flu Prevention Strategies -

    Handwashing for at least 20 seconds, using alcohol-based sanitizers, and avoiding close contact can cut transmission by over 20% (WHO, 2023). Next time you tackle a flu prevention quiz or cold and flu quiz, list these simple, high-impact actions.

  5. Self-Care and Treatment Best Practices -

    Hydration, rest, and over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen ease cold and flu discomfort; humidifiers or saline drops can also relieve congestion (Mayo Clinic, 2023). A quick "HRA" mnemonic - Hydrate, Rest, Analgesics - helps you ace any common cold quiz.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Diseases & Conditions Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker