case of the flu

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "case of the flu" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an instance or occurrence of having the flu, often in a medical or conversational context. Example: "After a week of feeling unwell, I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a case of the flu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

China also reported its first suspected case of the flu, according to The Associated Press.

The New York Times

Aside from a case of the flu, the Hawks starters have all remained healthy this postseason.

The New Yorker

One has some movie star charisma and a case of the flu.

The New York Times - Style

"I felt achy, like I had a bad case of the flu," she recalled.

The New York Times - Health

"In his mind, he's got a strong case of the flu.

The New York Times - Sports

At first, it just seemed like a nasty case of the flu.

The New York Times

"It sounds terrible, but it's really like a bad case of the flu".

The New York Times - Sports

The disease usually starts with a fever, fatigue, headache and aches and pains, like a typical case of the flu.

The New York Times

For nearly a week, after a bad case of the flu, Reissa Leigh had been dependent on a respirator.

The New Yorker

Mr. Schow said he came down with a bad case of the flu over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The New York Times

RADEK DVORAK, who sat out Monday's practice with a case of the flu, was back on the ice today.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the severity, consider using adjectives like "mild", "severe", or "complicated" before "case of the flu" to provide more context.

Common error

While "case of the flu" is acceptable, overuse in formal documents can sound repetitive. Consider using more precise medical terms like "influenza infection" or "influenza diagnosis" for variety and increased formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "case of the flu" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an instance or occurrence of contracting the influenza virus. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "case of the flu" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an instance of influenza infection. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used across various contexts, including news, scientific publications, and general conversation. While alternatives like "influenza infection" might be more precise in formal settings, "case of the flu" remains a widely understood and acceptable phrase. Its high frequency in news and media reflects its relevance in everyday discussions about health and illness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Episode of influenza

Highlights a specific occurrence or instance of having the flu.

Coming down with the flu

An informal way of saying someone has become ill with the flu.

Bout of the flu

Refers to a period of illness caused by the flu.

Flu diagnosis

Focuses specifically on the medical confirmation of having the flu.

Developing the flu

Emphasizes the onset of the illness.

Influenza infection

Emphasizes the infectious nature of the flu.

Contracting influenza

Focuses on the act of getting the flu.

Experiencing influenza

Describes the overall experience of having the flu.

Flu affliction

Highlights the suffering caused by the flu.

Flu outbreak

Refers to a sudden increase in flu cases in a specific area or population.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "case of the flu"?

You can use alternatives like "flu diagnosis", "influenza infection", or "episode of influenza" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a case of flu" or "a case of the flu"?

Both "a case of flu" and "a case of the flu" are grammatically acceptable, but "a case of the flu" is more common and natural-sounding in contemporary English.

How do I use "case of the flu" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone experiencing the illness, such as, "She had a severe "case of the flu" that kept her in bed for a week".

What is the difference between "cold" and "a case of the flu"?

A cold and "case of the flu" share similar symptoms, but the flu is generally more severe and includes symptoms like fever, body aches and fatigue. A cold is milder and primarily affects the upper respiratory system.