Question

Indicate the true statements, and then correct the false statements so that they are true.
a. The most common viruses that cause human respiratory system infections are cold viruses.
b. Viruses can be treated with antibiotics.
c. People who have been exposed to cold and/or wet conditions are statistically more likely to develop a cold.
d. Many respiratory illnesses that are not caused by influenza viruses have flu-like symptoms.
e. The flu vaccine is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
f. Pneumonia is a rare healthcare-acquired infection.

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Evaluate statement (a): 'The most common viruses that cause human respiratory system infections are cold viruses.' Understand that 'cold viruses' typically refer to rhinoviruses, which are indeed the most common cause of upper respiratory infections. Confirm that this statement is true. Step 2: Evaluate statement (b): 'Viruses can be treated with antibiotics.' Recall that antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses. Since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, this statement is false. Correct it to: 'Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics; antiviral medications are used instead for some viral infections.' Step 3: Evaluate statement (c): 'People who have been exposed to cold and/or wet conditions are statistically more likely to develop a cold.' Consider scientific evidence showing that exposure to cold or wet conditions alone does not increase the likelihood of catching a cold. This statement is false. Correct it to: 'Exposure to cold and/or wet conditions does not statistically increase the likelihood of developing a cold; colds are caused by viral infections transmitted from person to person.' Step 4: Evaluate statement (d): 'Many respiratory illnesses that are not caused by influenza viruses have flu-like symptoms.' Recognize that symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches can be caused by various respiratory viruses besides influenza. This statement is true. Step 5: Evaluate statement (e): 'The flu vaccine is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.' Check current vaccination guidelines, which recommend flu vaccination starting at 6 months of age. This statement is false. Correct it to: 'The flu vaccine is recommended for children 6 months of age and older.' Also, evaluate statement (f): 'Pneumonia is a rare healthcare-acquired infection.' Understand that healthcare-associated pneumonia is actually a common and serious infection in healthcare settings. This statement is false. Correct it to: 'Pneumonia is a common healthcare-acquired infection.'

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Key Concepts

Common Viruses Causing Respiratory Infections

Antibiotic Use and Viral Infections

Epidemiology and Prevention of Respiratory Illnesses