What is flu? Pronunciation and usage in English

flu means . Learn how to pronounce and use flu through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of flu

flunoun

/fluː/
Definition & pronunciation of flu

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "flu." It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's the breakdown:

The correct pronunciation is:

/fluː/

Here's a more detailed explanation:

  • "fl": Pronounced like the "f" in "fun" – a clear, crisp "f" sound.
  • "u": Pronounced like the "u" in "put" – a short, open "uh" sound.
  • "ː" (the line above the "u"): This is crucial! It indicates that the vowel sound should be held for a slightly longer duration. Think of it as a slightly drawn-out "uh" sound.

Common Mispronunciations and Why They're Wrong:

  • "flu" (like "flow"): This is a very common mistake. It sounds too much like the word "flow."
  • "floo": Adding the "oo" sound makes it sound like a word meaning "liquid."

Tips for getting it right:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "flu"?

Usage and examples with the word flu in English

Let's break down how to use the word "flu" in English. It's a very common word, but there are nuances to its usage.

1. What "Flu" Means:

"Flu" is short for influenza. It refers to a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Think of it as the common cold, but often more serious.

2. Common Ways to Use "Flu":

  • As a noun (the illness):

    • "I have the flu." (I'm sick with the flu.)
    • “She’s been fighting the flu all week.” (She’s been struggling with the illness.)
    • “The doctor said it’s likely the flu.” (The doctor suspects it's influenza.)

  • As a verb (to catch the flu):

    • "I flued last year." (I caught the flu last year.) – This is less common, but still understood.
    • "He flew with the flu." (He had the flu when he traveled.) - This is also slightly less common than “caught.”

  • Referring to the flu season:

    • "Flu season is typically in the fall and winter."
    • "The CDC recommends getting a flu shot.”

  • Talking about symptoms:

    • "I have a fluy feeling." (I feel like I might get the flu.) - "Flu-y" is an adjective describing the feeling.
    • "The flu causes fever, cough, and body aches.”

3. Important Distinctions & Related Words:

  • Flu vs. Cold: The flu is usually more severe than a common cold. Colds are generally milder and don't involve high fevers or significant body aches. However, the symptoms can overlap.
  • Influenza: This is the full, correct medical term for the illness. “Flu” is a perfectly acceptable abbreviation.
  • Flu Shot (or Flu Vaccine): A vaccine designed to protect against influenza viruses.
  • Pandemic Flu: This refers to a widespread outbreak of influenza, like the 1918 Spanish Flu or the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

4. Phrases Using "Flu":

  • "Stay flu-free!" (Wishing someone to avoid getting the flu.)
  • "I’m going to get a flu shot this year." (Planning to get vaccinated.)
  • "The flu is spreading rapidly." (Reporting the spread of the illness.)

Resources for More Information:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ - This is the best source for reliable information about the flu.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to say specifically when you want to use the word “flu”? (e.g., describing your symptoms, talking about getting vaccinated, explaining the flu season?)

Synonyms for the word flu

Practice with vocabulary flu

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. The doctor confirmed that her persistent cough and fever were classic symptoms of the ______ and advised rest.
  2. Annual ______ vaccinations are highly recommended, especially for vulnerable populations, to reduce the risk of severe illness.
  3. Despite feeling unwell, he only had a slight sniffle and sore throat, indicating a common ______ rather than something more serious.
  4. The IT department issued a warning about a new computer ______ that could potentially compromise sensitive data if not addressed immediately.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select all the correct answers for each question.

  1. Which of the following are common symptoms often associated with influenza? a) Rash b) High fever c) Broken bones d) Body aches e) Sudden onset of symptoms

  2. What measures are often taken to prevent the widespread transmission of the seasonal ______? a) Frequent handwashing b) Isolating sick individuals c) Consuming excessive amounts of sugar d) Participating in annual vaccination programs e) Avoiding physical activity

  3. Due to a widespread outbreak of ______, many employees were unable to come to work, significantly impacting the company's productivity last week. a) a software glitch b) the flu c) a severe storm d) an epidemic e) an unscheduled holiday

  4. Which term describes a sudden, severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention? a) Anaphylaxis b) Migraine c) Indigestion d) Contagion e) Vertigo

  5. After traveling extensively, he felt a general sense of ______ and exhaustion, not necessarily indicating a specific illness but rather overall fatigue. a) euphoria b) malaise c) vigor d) vitality e) lethargy

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions provided, maintaining the original meaning.

  1. The medical authorities are concerned about the rapid spread of the viral respiratory illness this winter. (Use a word related to "flu")
  2. Many people experienced severe body aches and high temperatures during the recent outbreak of sickness. (Use a word related to "flu")
  3. The company reported a significant decrease in productivity last month because many staff members were down with the illness. (Do not use "flu"; use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. flu
  2. flu
  3. cold
  4. virus

Exercise 2:

  1. b) High fever, d) Body aches, e) Sudden onset of symptoms
  2. a) Frequent handwashing, b) Isolating sick individuals, d) Participating in annual vaccination programs
  3. b) the flu, d) an epidemic
  4. a) Anaphylaxis
  5. b) malaise, e) lethargy

Exercise 3:

  1. The medical authorities are concerned about the rapid spread of the flu this winter.
  2. Many people experienced severe body aches and high temperatures during the recent flu outbreak.
  3. The company reported a significant decrease in productivity last month because many staff members were down with a severe viral infection.

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