What Is Flu Season? Definition & Key Facts

Meaning 1：Annual period of high flu infection (Flu Season)

Flu Season 🔊

/fluː ˈsiːzən/

The time of year when many people catch the flu, usually in autumn and winter.

Flu season winter scene with masks and flu shot reminder

Annual period of high flu infection 🔊

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/ˈænjuəl ˈpɪriəd əv haɪ fluː ɪnˈfekʃən/

The time of year, typically autumn and winter, when the influenza virus spreads widely and many people become infected.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Flu is short for influenza; season refers to a period of the year.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'When autumn leaves fall, flu season calls.'

📖 Example

Many of my coworkers are out sick, so I guess flu season is officially here. 🔊 Many of my coworkers are out sick, so I guess flu season is officially here.

🔗 Collocations

peak flu season – the time when flu cases are highest

flu season precautions – measures taken during flu season to prevent infection

flu season vaccination – the flu shot given before or during flu season

🔄 Synonyms

influenza season (n.) – the period when influenza is most common

flu outbreak period (n.) – the time frame when many flu cases occur in a region

annual flu wave (n.) – the yearly surge of influenza infections

📖 Cultural Story

'Flu' comes from Italian 'influenza' (influence), from the belief that stars caused illness. 'Flu season' refers to the annual winter peak of influenza cases.