flu

[floo]

noun

1. influenza.

2. a specific variety of influenza, usually named for its point of dissemination or its animal vector.

   Hong Kong flu; swine flu.

flu

/ fluː /

noun

1. short for influenza

2. any of various viral infections, esp a respiratory or intestinal infection

flu

1. See influenza

Word History and Origins

Origin of flu¹

First recorded in 1830–40; shortened form

Example Sentences

The latest strike action takes place as the NHS starts to face additional winter pressures, such as a rising number of flu cases.

Read more on BBC

Health experts recommend an annual flu vaccination for everyone older than 6 months, especially as the holiday season nears.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Some are large enough to see, such as springtime pollen, while others, like viruses that circulate during flu season, are far too small for the human eye.

Read more on Science Daily

A poultry farmer fears there would be "no way back" for her business if her birds contracted avian flu.

Read more on BBC

After the grants were cut, Nashville had to lay off 19 employees, end its flu and Covid-19 testing programs, eliminate funding for two health clinics and halt a project to serve the homeless.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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