Scratchythroatsstuffynosesandbodyachesallspellmiserybutbeingabletotellifthecauseisacoldorflumaymakeadifferenceinhowlongthemiserylasts.TheAmericanLungAssociation(ALA)hasissuednewguidelinesoncombating

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 combating colds and the flu(流感) and one of the keys is being able to quickly tell the two apart. That’s because the prescription 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 remedy 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 - flu A B and C. There is no cure for either illness but the flu can be prevented by the flu vaccine which is for most people the best way to fight the flu according to the ALA. But if the flu does strike quick action can help. Although the flu and common cold have many similarities there are some obvious signs to look for.
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.
The ALA notes that it may be particularly difficult to tell when infants and preschool age 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. 1.
   According to the author knowing the cause of the misery will help ______.
   1. A.
      shorten the duration of the illness
   2. B.
      the patient buy medicine over the counter
   3. C.
      the patient obtain cheaper prescription drugs
   4. D.
      prevent people from catching colds and the flu
2. 2.
   We learn from the passage that ______.
   1. A.
      one doesn’t need to take any medicine if he has a cold or the flu
   2. B.
      aspirin should not be included in over-the-counter medicines for the flu
   3. C.
      delayed treatment of the flu will harm the liver and central nervous system
   4. D.
      over-the-counter drugs can be taken to ease the misery caused by a cold or the flu
3. 3.
   According to the passage to combat the flu effectively ______.
   1. A.
      one should identify the virus which causes it
   2. B.
      one should consult a doctor as soon as possible
   3. C.
      one should take medicine upon catching the disease
   4. D.
      one should remain alert when the disease is spreading
4. 4.
   Which of the following symptoms will distinguish the flu from a cold?
   1. A.
      A stuffy nose. 　　
   2. B.
      A high temperature
   3. C.
      A sore throat.　　
   4. D.
      A dry cough
5. 5.
   If children have flu-like symptoms their parents ______.
   1. A.
      are advised not to give them aspirin
   2. B.
      should watch out for signs of Reye syndrome
   3. C.
      are encouraged to take them to hospital for vaccination
   4. D.
      should prevent them from mixing with people running a fever

Answer 1

ADCBA这篇文章讲的是应该如何区别对待感冒和流感。1.第二段澄清了第一段中的含糊说法，make a difference in how long the misery lasts变为了the sooner relief will come，A的说法与此一致。2.推理题。倒数第二段第一句话表达的意思The ALA notes that it may be particularly difficult to tell when infants and preschool age children have the flu.可知选D。3.第二段第二句话That’s because the prescription drugs available for the flu need to be taken soon after the illness sets in.说明了为什么需要迅速把感冒和流感区分开来——因为患上流感后需要立即服用处方药。4.第五段二句话指出流感的典型特点之一是发烧(fever is one of the characteristic features of the flu)，从一二句的对比可以看出，发烧与否是区别流感和感冒的关键因素。本题选择B。5.章提到children是在倒数第二、三段，倒数第三段讲到儿童症状不易区分是感冒和流感，应该向医生咨询。倒数第二段讲到儿童不应服用阿司匹林来缓解感冒或流感症状，否则会导致Reye综合症。A的说法符合倒数第二段的内容，是正确的。