Every year, we are reminded both online and on the evening news of the deadly effects of the flu. There's no doubt that influenza is a killer. The Centers for Disease control estimates that 80,000 Americans died from the flu in 2017. But how can a simple case of the flu that many people recover from in a week or two be so deadly to others? Doctors who study the body's immune response cite three reasons. First, when the immune system is taxed, there is a good chance of co-infection with another germ-usually a bacterium, such as strep. Second, the flu can easily aggravate existing conditions such as heart disease and asthma. Third is the so-called cytokine storm. This is an overproduction of immune cells and their activating compounds (cytokines) in the lungs. The resulting lung inflammation and fluid buildup can lead to severe lung distress and can open the door to other diseases such as bacterial pneumonia.
Which of the following is a logical conclusion based on the passage?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passage says that the flu can aggravate heart conditions or lead to pneumonia, both of which can be fatal.
More people die from the flu than any other communicable disease is incorrect. The passage states that 80,000 people die from the flu annually. But we have no way of knowing whether this is more or less than other communicable diseases. 
Cytokines always cause death when present in the lungs is incorrect. Cytokines activate immune cells in the body and thus are a step in combating illness. They are only a problem when they are overproduced in the lungs. 
The flu virus often causes strep in many flu sufferers is incorrect. Strep is caused by a bacterium, not the flu virus.

Every Year, We Are Reminded Both Online and on the Evening