Asian flu is a term that has been used to describe several influenza outbreaks that have occurred in Asia over the years. It is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza A virus, which can lead to severe illness and even death if left untreated. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Asian flu, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Asian flu is a term used to describe a specific strain of the influenza A virus that originated in Asia. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. The virus can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected individuals.
Origin
The first recorded outbreak of Asian flu occurred in 1957 in China. The virus quickly spread to other parts of Asia, as well as Europe and North America, causing a pandemic that lasted for several years. Since then, there have been several other outbreaks of Asian flu, including one in 2004 that originated in Vietnam.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Asian flu is “an influenza caused by a subtype (H2N2) of the influenza A virus that was first identified in Asia in 1957 and that caused a pandemic in 1957-58.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “an influenza epidemic that originated in Asia and spread to other parts of the world, causing widespread illness and death.”
Associations
Asian flu is often associated with pandemics and outbreaks of the influenza virus. It is also associated with high rates of illness and death, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of Asian flu include:
- H2N2 influenza.
- Pandemic influenza.
- Influenza A virus.
- Respiratory illness.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of Asian flu, as it is a specific type of influenza virus. However, some related terms include:
- Influenza B virus.
- Common cold.
- Allergy.
The same root words
The root words of Asian flu are “Asia” and “influenza.” Asia refers to the continent where the virus first originated, while influenza is the medical term for the flu.
Example Sentences
- The outbreak of Asian flu in 1957-58 caused a pandemic that affected millions of people worldwide.
- Symptoms of Asian flu include fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- The H2N2 strain of the influenza A virus is known as Asian flu.
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of Asian flu.
- The elderly and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing severe complications from Asian flu.