1.
influenza; flu
A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, characterized by high fever and body aches.
インフルエンザ is a loanword from Italian/English. Often shortened to インフル in casual speech.
Common patterns
- インフルエンザにかかる: to catch the flu
- インフルエンザが流行る: the flu is spreading
- インフルエンザの予防接種: flu vaccination
- インフルエンザで休む: to take time off due to the flu
Types
Cultural note
In Japan, if a student tests positive for インフルエンザ, they are required to stay home for a set number of days (出席停止). Flu season peaks in winter, and getting a 予防接種 (vaccination) is common.
Similar
- 風邪: common cold (milder than flu)