Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the genetic material of the influenza virus?

Accepted Answer

Single-stranded RNA, segmented into 8 molecules

Question 2

What is the primary function of the hemagglutinin (H) protein on the surface of the influenza virus?

Accepted Answer

Enables virus to attach to host cell

Question 3

Which process is responsible for the emergence of new pandemic strains of influenza A virus?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic shift

Question 4

A patient presents with sudden onset fever, headache, muscle aches, and severe weakness. Which viral infection is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Influenza virus

Question 5

Which of the following groups is at increased risk for severe complications from influenza infection?

Accepted Answer

Infants aged 6-59 months and adults aged ≥50 years

Question 6

What is the main difference between antigenic drift and antigenic shift in influenza viruses?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic drift involves minor changes due to mutations; antigenic shift involves major changes due to reassortment of RNA segments

Question 7

Which equation best represents the exponential growth of influenza cases during a pandemic wave?

Accepted Answer

$$N(t) = N_0$ e$$^{rt}$$

Question 8

Why do flu pandemics tend to occur in waves, with subsequent waves sometimes more or less severe?

Accepted Answer

Because of variations in population immunity and viral evolution

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for preventing transmission of SARS-CoV2?

Accepted Answer

Sharing personal items with infected individuals

Question 10

SARS-CoV2 uses which protein to attach to the ACE2 receptor on human cells?

Accepted Answer

Spike (S) protein

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the etiology of COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Single-stranded RNA virus, enveloped

Question 12

A new strain of influenza A virus emerges due to reassortment of RNA segments between human and animal viruses. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic shift

Question 13

Which of the following is a key reason why a newly emerged influenza A virus can cause a pandemic?

Accepted Answer

Few, if any, people have immunity to the new virus

Question 14

Which type of influenza vaccine contains a weakened 'live' virus?

Accepted Answer

Attenuated (LAIV)

Question 15

Which antiviral medication acts as a neuraminidase inhibitor to block the release of new influenza virions from host cells?

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir

Question 16

A patient is diagnosed with COVID-19. Which diagnostic test is most likely to detect the presence of viral RNA?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)

Question 17

Which of the following equations represents the calculation of the basic reproduction number ($$R_0) $$for a respiratory virus?

Accepted Answer

$$R_0$$ = \frac{\beta}{\gamma}$$

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the incubation period of influenza is correct?

Accepted Answer

It typically ranges from 2 to 3 days

Question 19

Which protein on the surface of SARS-CoV2 is responsible for binding to the ACE2 receptor?

Accepted Answer

Spike (S) protein

Question 20

Which of the following is a clinical feature that distinguishes influenza from the common cold?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of fever and severe muscle aches

Viral Diseases of the Respiratory System: Influenza and SARS-CoV2

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