Reading Comprehension – Non linear

Read the passage below and answer the following questions.

There are over 200 viruses associated with the common cold. These viruses cause
discomfort but are usually self-limiting. A cold should go away in a few days.
Colds affect the nasal region causing stuffiness, sneezing and runny nose. It can lead to
headaches and respiratory problems especially in infants, but are almost never fatal. On
the other hand, influenza (or flu) has all of a cold’s symptoms and more. It is a different
disease and has far reaching health consequences.
Usually the flu begins abruptly with the on set of fever between 102° F to 160° F. Shortly
after, the body will ache, the face will become bloated and fatigue will hit. They are the
usual signs with systemic symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting. The fever usually
lasts for a day or two. Somewhere between day two and day four of the illness, the
‘whole body’ symptoms begin to subside and respiratory symptoms such as persistent,
dry hacking cough and sore throat increase.
Nasal congestion and sneezing are also common. The cough and the tiredness usually
last for weeks after the illness is over. Recovery will depend very much on the general
health of the individual.
There are about 20 flu viruses which affect the whole body. If left untreated, it can lead
to death, especially for those above 65 years old and infants below two. Those with
chronic disorders such as asthma and diabetes, and those with immunological disorders
are particularly susceptible. Thus, it is advisable for the high-risk group to take the flu
vaccination.
Those infected with the flu virus must seek medical advice before they take the flu jab.
They will be given antiviral drugs until their condition improves before the jab is given.
People allergic to eggs are advised not to take the flu jab since the vaccine is cultured
from eggs and may cause some negative reactions. It is also common for people not
allergic to eggs to develop some minor reactions to the vaccine such as mild fever and
rashes. However, these effects are temporary and harmless.

(a) Write T for true statements or F for false statements.

1.Influenza is not a serious cold. ( )
2.Influenza can be fatal for the elderly and the very young. ( )
3.Extreme tiredness is caused by the cold virus. ( )
4.Stuffiness is a symptom for both cold and flu.( )
5.There are about 20 flu viruses which affect the whole body. ( )
6.Those affected by the flu need not seek medical advice. ( )
7.People allergic to eggs can take flu jab. ( )
8.Flu jab effects are temporary and harmless. ( )

(b) Fill in the banks correctly.

Influenza
Symptoms:
1.Whole body
a Fever
b._______
c._______
2. a. Dizziness b. Vomiting
3. Respiratory
a. Cough
b.________
c. Nasal congestion