ESL Reading Comprehension 22

Common Cold and Flu

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 flu lasts. That's because the prescription drugs available for the flu need to be taken soon after the illness sets in although the symptoms can be eased with over the counter medications. As for colds, the sooner a person starts taking over-the-counter remedy, the sooner relief will come. Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose and scratchy throat 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 throat and body aches come on suddenly and are more severe than cold symptoms.

1. According to the passage, knowing the cause of scratchy throats, stuffy noses and body aches ----.

A) reduces the likelihood of catching cold
B) sometimes doesn't help patients lessen the severity of symptoms
C) encourages patients to buy over-the-counter medications
D) will shorten the duration of the flu
E) prevents people from getting infected

2. According to the passage, to combat the flu effectively, ----.

A) the virus which causes the disease has to be identified
B) patients should only use over-the-counter medications
C) one should take the necessary medications upon catching the disease
D) there is no reason to see a doctor
E) people should try some alternative remedies

3. It is pointed out in the reading that ----.

A) fever is the most important feature of a cold
B) flu symptoms are not as severe as cold symptoms
C) the flu can be prevented by the flu vaccine
D) one doesn't need to take any medicine if he has a cold or the flu
E) over-the-counter drugs can be taken to ease the misery caused by a cold or the flu

Correctness =
Correct answers:

×

Try our Latest Video Exercises!

GrammarBank Video Exercises (New!)