influenza
Translation
influenza, flu
Examples
He is sick with influenza.
He is sick with influenza.
The influenza vaccine is important.
The influenza vaccine is important.
Grammar Patterns
((to have/catch)) influenza to be sick with influenza He has influenza.
((a case of)) influenza an instance of the illness The doctor reported a case of influenza.
Similar Words
Synonyms: flu, the grippe
Etymology
From Italian 'influenza', literally 'influence'. The disease was once thought to be caused by the 'influence' of the stars.
Memory Tips
Remember the historical belief that the stars had an 'influence' on people's health, causing this illness.