swine flu

noun

: swine influenza
also : influenza A of humans that is caused by a different strain of an orthomyxovirus subtype (H1N1) from those found in swine and that is marked especially by fever, sore throat, cough, chills, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Examples of swine flu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Lewis’ death from H1N1 swine flu, a heretofore extinct H1N1 influenza strain suddenly reentered the human population? Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2024 The highest death toll recorded was 288 children who died from the flu in 2009-2010 at the height of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024 So too was the 2009 H1N1 swine flu, which led to a pandemic estimated to have caused the death of more than 280,000 people across the globe. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2024 In 2012 a major swine flu outbreak led to over 300 infections in the U.S., with the majority of those associated with exposure at agricultural fairs. Benjamin Thorp, NPR, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swine flu 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'swine flu.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swine flu was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near swine flu

Cite this Entry

“Swine flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swine%20flu. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

swine flu

noun
: swine influenza
also : influenza of humans that is caused by a subtype (H1N1) of an orthomyxovirus (species Influenza A virus of the genus Influenzavirus A) originating in swine and is marked especially by fever, sore throat, cough, chills, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
Among the swine flu cases in the United States, none had had any contact with pigs … Marc Lacey and Donald G. McNeil Jr., The New York Times
As swine flu spreads from person to person around the world, it is most often being transmitted by coughing or sneezing … Laura Landro, The Wall Street Journal

More from Merriam-Webster on swine flu

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