Down with a Flu: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
December 2, 2023

"Down with a flu" is a common expression that means to be ill with influenza, a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Influenza, or flu, can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue.

In short:

  • It implies being ill with Influenza or flu.

What Does "Down with a Flu" Mean?

"Down with a flu" means being sick with the Influenza virus, which makes one feel feverish and have a sore throat, headache, or muscle pain. Sometimes, it can also lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or death.

Where Does "Down with a Flu" Come From?

The expression "down with a flu" has been used since the late 19th century and is derived from the older phrase "down with a fever," which dates back to the 16th century. In this context, "down" means to be in a low or weakened state instead of being up and active. The word "flu" is a shortened form of "influenza," which comes from the Italian word for "influence." This is because people used to believe that the influence of the stars or other celestial bodies caused diseases.

10 Examples of "Down with a Flu" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

  • He was down with the flu, and he lost his appetite.
  • About last night, she was down with a flu and had a high fever.
  • He is down with a flu, and he can't stop coughing. That's too bad.
  • She missed the exam because she was down with a flu for a week.
  • She was down with a flu, but she still finished her project on time.
  • He was down with a flu when he heard the news of his promotion.
  • They had to cancel their trip because their son was down with a flu.
  • I'm sorry I can't go downtown. I'm down with a flu, and I need to rest.
  • He tried to work from home but was too down with a flu to concentrate.
  • She felt sorry for her neighbor who was down with a flu and brought him some soup.

Examples of "Down with a Flu" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

  • In the 1994 movie The Mask, Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey) pretends to be sick with the flu to avoid going to work and staying home with his dog Milo. He fakes a fever, a cough, and a sneeze and even puts a thermometer in a cup of hot water to fool his landlady.
  • In the 2009 episode "Flu Season" of the TV series Parks and Recreation, several characters get infected with the flu and must deal with its symptoms and consequences. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) tries to ignore her illness and deliver an important presentation, while Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe) becomes depressed and pessimistic about his health.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Down with a Flu"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

  • Suffering from influenza
  • Sick with influenza
  • Ill with influenza
  • Laid up with influenza
  • Stricken with influenza
  • Afflicted with influenza
  • Infected with influenza

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Down with a Flu"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

  • What does "down with a flu" mean?

"Down with a flu" is a common expression that means to be ill with influenza, a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Influenza, or flu, can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "down with a flu"?

The expression "down with a flu" has been used since the late 19th century and is derived from the older phrase "down with a fever," which dates back to the 16th century.

  • How can you tell if you are "down with a flu" or a cold?

Flu and a cold are respiratory infections caused by different viruses but have other symptoms. Flu usually comes on suddenly and causes more severe symptoms, such as high fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. A cold usually occurs gradually and causes milder symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough.

  • How can you prevent getting "down with a flu"?

The best way to prevent getting "down with a flu" is to get a flu vaccine every year, which can protect you from the most common strains. You can also avoid close contact with people who are sick, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated.

  • How can you treat being "down with a flu"?

If you are "down with a flu," you should stay home and rest, drink plenty of fluids, take over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, and use a humidifier or a steamy shower to ease congestion. You should also see a doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, persistent fever, confusion, or signs of dehydration. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs that can shorten the duration and severity of the flu.

  • How long does recovering from being "down with a flu" take?

It usually takes about one to two weeks to recover from being "down with a flu," depending on your symptoms' severity and overall health. However, some people may have lingering effects such as cough, fatigue, or weakness for extended periods.

  • How contagious is being "down with a flu"?

Being "down with a flu" is very contagious. You can spread the virus to others from one day before you develop symptoms until five to seven days after you get sick. The virus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled when coughing, sneezing, or talking. The virus can also survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours.

  • What are the complications of being "down with a flu"?

Being "down with a flu" can lead to severe complications, especially for people with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Possible complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections, heart problems, kidney problems, and sepsis.

  • What are the differences between "seasonal flu" and "pandemic flu"?

"Seasonal flu" is a type of influenza that occurs yearly during the fall and winter. It is caused by viruses circulating among humans and animals and mutating slightly over time. "Pandemic flu" is a type of influenza that occurs when a new virus emerges that humans have little or no immunity to. It can spread rapidly across the world and cause widespread illness and death.

  • What are the types of influenza viruses that cause being "down with a flu"?

Four types of influenza viruses cause being down with a flu: A, B, C, and D. Type A and B are the most common and cause seasonal epidemics. Type C causes mild respiratory infections and is not associated with epidemics. Type D affects animals only and does not infect humans.

Final Thoughts About "Down with a Flu"

The idiom "down with a flu" is an expression that means to be ill with influenza, a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It has been used since the late 19th century and is derived from the older phrase "down with a fever."

To summarize:

  • It is caused by different types of viruses that mutate over time.
  • It can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and headache.
  • It can be prevented by getting a flu vaccine and practicing good hygiene.
  • It can be treated by resting, drinking fluids, taking pain relievers, and using antiviral drugs.

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