Q 01/05

Roughly how many virus strains are implicated in causing the common cold?

A) About 12

B) Well over 200

C) About 1,000

D) About 50

Answer · why

B) Well over 200

That variety, plus rapid mutation, is why no vaccine exists.

Q 02/05

Which group of viruses causes the largest share of colds, up to 40 percent?

A) Respiratory syncytial viruses

B) Parainfluenza viruses

C) Adenoviruses

D) Rhinoviruses

Answer · why

D) Rhinoviruses

They have more than 100 known serotypes; the cause of 20 to 30 percent of colds remains unidentified.

Q 03/05

How many colds does the average adult get per year?

A) Four to five

B) Six to eight

C) One or two

D) Two to three

Answer · why

D) Two to three

Children average six to eight, and infections cluster in winter.

Q 04/05

How soon after exposure can cold symptoms begin?

A) Within about 16 hours

B) After 5 days

C) After 2 weeks

D) Within 2 hours

Answer · why

A) Within about 16 hours

They usually peak two to four days after onset and clear within seven to ten days.

Q 05/05

What is the average duration of a cough caused by a cold?

A) 18 days

B) 7 days

C) 12 days

D) 3 days

Answer · why

A) 18 days

In children the cough lasts more than 25 days in about one case in ten.

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