Asian flu

noun

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

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Asian flu was in 1957

Cite this Entry

“Asian flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Asian%20flu. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

Asian flu

noun
ˌā-zhən-, -shən-
variants also Asian influenza
: influenza that is caused by a subtype (H2N2) of the orthomyxovirus (Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae) causing influenza A and that was responsible for about 70,000 deaths in the United States in the influenza pandemic of 1957–1958 compare hong kong flu, spanish flu
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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