Which statement about influenza is accurate?

• A. It is caused by bacteria and not viruses.
• B. It is a common respiratory infection caused by viruses that can be serious in older adults.
• C. It never causes fever or sore throat.
• D. It is a chronic lung disease.

Answer: (B)

Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract that can be especially serious in older adults. The accurate statement reflects two key points: it is caused by viruses (not bacteria) and it can lead to significant illness or complications in older adults, such as pneumonia or hospitalization.

Think of the virus as the cause, and the age-related risk as the outcome. Older adults have weaker immune responses and more comorbidities, which makes influenza more dangerous for them than for younger people.

The other options are misleading: influenza is not caused by bacteria, and fever or sore throat are common symptoms, so saying fever or sore throat never occur is incorrect. It is not a chronic lung disease; it is an acute viral infection that can range in severity.