Asian flu

noun

: influenza that is caused by a subtype (H2N2) of the orthomyxovirus causing influenza A and that was responsible for about 70,000 deaths in the U.S. in the influenza pandemic of 1957–58

called also Asian influenza

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Asian flu

noun

ˌā-zhən-, -shən-

: influenza that is caused by a subtype (H2N2) of the orthomyxovirus causing influenza A and that was responsible for about 70,000 deaths in the United States in the influenza pandemic of 1957–1958

called also Asian influenza

compare hong kong flu, spanish flu