Quiz: What's Your Flu IQ?

Are you fluent in flu-speak or ill-informed about influenza? Take our quiz to find out. We called on Corona Regional Medical Center physicians, who are on the front lines of the flu fight, to explain the answers.

True or false: 2009 H1N1 flu always causes more severe symptoms than seasonal flu.

False. Even though the 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses are very different, they cause similar symptoms and spread the same way -- through coughing, sneezing and touching. The main reason that 2009 H1N1 is troubling is that it is a brand-new virus that tends to affect younger people.

"2009 H1N1 symptoms aren't necessarily more severe than seasonal flu symptoms," says family practitioner Anuradha Sathya, MD. "Either virus can cause fever, coughing, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. But with 2009 H1N1, we tend to see additional gastrointestinal effects, like nausea and diarrhea. But most healthy people recover from either flu in five to seven days, with the exception of people in high-risk categories."

True or false: If you don't have flu symptoms, you're not contagious.

False. People with either flu are considered contagious starting one day before they show symptoms and for five to seven days after the illness starts.

True or false: Pregnant women and young people are at highest risk for 2009 H1N1.

True. If you're pregnant, you should get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 as soon as possible. "Pregnant women have naturally depressed immune systems to accommodate the fetus," says OB/GYN Rajini Iyer, MD. "This makes them very susceptible to the flu."

The following groups are also high on the 2009 H1N1 vaccination priority list:

• People who live with children younger than age six months and caretakers of those younger than age six months
• Healthcare workers
• People ages six months to 24 years
• People ages 25 to 64 years with health conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from the flu

True or false: You can get the flu from flu vaccines.

False. Both the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 vaccines are available as intramuscular shots, which contain dead viruses that stimulate the immune response but cannot cause the flu. Both are also available as intranasal sprays; these contained weakened forms of the viruses that also cannot cause the flu. Intranasal sprays are not recommended for pregnant women or people with chronic medical conditions.

"Some of my patients have concerns about the safety of the 2009 H1N1 vaccines, and I emphasize to them that they're made in the same way as seasonal vaccines," says pediatrician Rosalie De Guzman, MD.

"The risks of getting the flu and flu-related complications far outweigh any risks of the vaccinations," adds OB/GYN Lawrence Koning, MD.

True or false: By January, it's too late to get flu vaccinations.

False. Seasonal flu can occur any time from November to May, but it most often peaks in January or February. "January is definitely not too late to get vaccinated against seasonal flu," says Dr. De Guzman. The same is true for 2009 H1N1, which was first detected in the U.S. in April last year and continued to circulate throughout the summer and fall. The important thing to remember is that you'll need both vaccines to be fully protected.

True or false: Washing your hands can help you avoid the flu.

True. Although getting vaccinated is the most effective step you can take, simple steps such as washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, as well as coughing or sneezing into your elbow -- not your hand -- can help you avoid catching and spreading the flu virus.

"If someone coughs or sneezes on you, wash your hands and gargle right away," advises Dr. De Guzman, who continually follows her own advice while seeing patients. She also advises taking simple steps to strengthen your natural immunity. "Getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising are especially important during flu season for both adults and children," she says.

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Tips for Choosing Over-the-Counter Cold and Flu Remedies

Most of us have had the experience of standing in front of a wall of medications at the drugstore, wondering if any of them will work to relieve, or even prevent, cold or flu symptoms.

Cheryl Daniels, Director of Pharmacy at Corona Regional Medical Center, says that over-the-counter cold and flu remedies can alleviate symptoms such as headache, coughing and fever, but they won't cure anything -- the illness must generally run its course over a week or two. She offers a few tips on picking out the pills, syrups or lozenges that might work for you.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any kind of medication if you have a chronic health condition or are on other medications. "People who have high blood pressure, for example, shouldn't take decongestants," Dr. Daniels says. "And remember, just because a product claims to be ‘natural' doesn't mean it's safe."

Read labels to make sure you're not doubling up on active ingredients. For example, if you're already taking pain pills, don't take a cough syrup that includes a pain reliever.

There's little scientific evidence that taking supplements such as echinacea and vitamin C will prevent colds and flu. "But they probably won't hurt, either," Dr. Daniels says.

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