Question 1

Serum ferritin is a good marker for the body's stores of...

Accepted Answer

Serum ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Therefore, serum ferritin levels reflect the body's iron stores.

Question 2

Psychological stress, as well as physical stress, can detrimentally affect immune function.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that psychological stress can lead to a decrease in immune function, making individuals more prone to infections and illnesses. This is because stress hormones like cortisol can suppress immune responses, while also increasing inflammation and activation of the immune system, which can contribute to chronic health conditions over time.

Question 3

An above-normal total leukocyte count in blood sample taken from an athlete at rest could indicate...

Accepted Answer

An above-normal total leukocyte count in a blood sample is indicative of an immune response which is commonly associated with an infection. This may be due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, or another disorder associated with immune system activity.

Question 4

Which of the following can increase the stress-hormone response to exercise?

Accepted Answer

All of the above options (low muscle glycogen stores, dehydration, high altitude) can increase the stress-hormone response to exercise. Low muscle glycogen stores result in higher levels of cortisol during prolonged exercise, dehydration can cause an increase in cortisol to maintain blood sugar levels, and high altitude can lead to higher levels of cortisol due to the stress on the body from reduced oxygen availability.

Question 5

Sleep quantity and quality have been shown to influence the risk of infection symptoms developing following exposure to human rhinovirus.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that individuals who get less than 7 hours of sleep per night are three times more likely to develop cold symptoms when exposed to the human rhinovirus compared to those who get 8 hours or more. Additionally, sleep quality has been shown to affect the body's immune response to the virus.

Question 6

The most effective thing that athletes can do to minimise transmission of pathogens is...

Accepted Answer

Practising good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are the most effective ways for athletes to minimise transmission of pathogens, as it reduces the chances of both direct and indirect transmission of the pathogens. Avoiding elderly people, washing hair and brushing teeth regularly, using an antibacterial mouthwash, or ingesting a daily multivitamin may have other health benefits, but they are not directly effective in reducing transmission of pathogens.

Question 7

Antimicrobial hand foams, such as Byotrol, contain...

Accepted Answer

Antimicrobial hand foams like Byotrol contain cationic biocides and hydrophobic polymers, which work together to kill microorganisms and prevent their growth on the skin. Alcohol gel is a different type of hand sanitizer that uses alcohol as its active ingredient, while methanol and hydrochloric acid are not typically found in hand sanitizer and can be harmful when ingested. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is not used in hand sanitizers.

Question 8

Which of the following is not a possible cause of upper respiratory tract infection?

Accepted Answer

Parvovirus causes infections such as erythema infectiosum (also known as fifth disease) which primarily affects the skin rather than the upper respiratory tract. The other viruses listed can cause upper respiratory infections.

Question 9

Antibiotic drugs are ineffective against a viral illness.

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are designed to kill or slow the growth of bacteria, but they are not effective against viruses. Viral illnesses must be treated with antiviral medications.

Question 10

Vaccination is not possible against influenza.

Accepted Answer

Vaccination against influenza is possible and is recommended every year to prevent infection and its complications.

Quiz 10: Practical Guidelines on Minimising Infection Risk in Athletes