Question

 

Scratchy throats, stuffy noses and body aches all spell misery, but being able to tell if the cause is a cold or flu may make a difference in how long the misery lasts. The American Lung Association (ALA) has issued new guidelines on fighting colds and the flu, and one of the keys is being able to quickly tell the two apart. That’s because the prescription (处方) drugs available for the flu need to be taken soon after the illness sets in. As for colds, the sooner a person starts taking over-the-counter medicine, the sooner relief will come.

　　The common cold and the flu are both caused by viruses. More than 200 viruses can cause cold symptoms, while the flu is caused by three viruses—virus A, B and C. There is no cure for either illness, but the flu can be prevented by the flu vaccine (疫苗), which is, for most people, the best way to fight the flu. But if the flu does strike, quick action can help. Although the flu and common colds have many similarities, there are some obvious signs to look for. Cold symptoms such as runny noses and scratchy throats typically develop gradually, and adults and teens often do not get a fever. On the other hand, fever is one of the characteristic features of the flu for all ages. And in general, flu symptoms including fever and chills, sore throats and body aches come on suddenly and are more severe than cold symptoms.

　　The ALA notes that it may be particularly difficult to tell when infants and preschool-aged children have the flu. It advises parents to call the doctor if their small children have flu-like symptoms. Both cold and flu symptoms can be eased with over-the-counter medications as well. However, children and teens with a cold or flu should not take aspirin for pain relief because of the risk of Reye syndrome (综合症)，a rare but serious condition of the liver and central nervous system. There is, of course, no vaccine for the common cold. But frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who have colds can reduce the likelihood of catching one.

1.According to the passage, knowing the cause of the misery will help ________.

　 A. shorten the duration(length of time) of the illness

　 B. the patient buy medicine over the counter

　 C. the patient obtain cheaper prescription drugs

　 D. prevent people from catching colds and the flu

2.We can learn from the passage that ________.

　 A. one doesn’t need to take any medicine if he has a cold or the flu

　 B. aspirin should not be included in over-the-counter medicine for the flu

　 C. delayed treatment of the flu will harm the liver and central nervous system

　 D. over-the-counter drugs can be taken to ease the misery caused by a cold or the flu

3.Which of the following symptoms will distinguish the flu from a cold?

　 A. A stuffy nose.                                     B. A high temperature.

　 C. A sore throat.                                     D. A dry cough.

4.If children have flu-like symptoms, their parents ________.

　 A. are advised not to give them aspirin

　 B. should watch out for signs of Reye syndrome

　 C. are encouraged to take them to hospital for vaccine

　 D. should prevent them from mixing with people running a fever 

 

Answer 1

【答案】

1.A

2.D

3.B

4.A