get flu vs get a flu

Both phrases are commonly used, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Get the flu' is more commonly used to refer to catching the flu virus, while 'get a flu' is less common and might be used in a more general sense. The choice between the two depends on the context and the level of specificity needed.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 719 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"get flu"

This phrase is commonly used to refer to catching the flu virus. It is a shortened form of 'get the flu.'

Examples:

I hope I don't get flu this winter.
She got flu last year and was sick for weeks.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nov 19, 2015 ... Studies show that antiviral drugs are under-prescribed for people who are at high risk of complications who get flu. This season, three ...
Even if you got a flu vaccine, there are reasons why you might still get flu or a flu- like illness. • You may have been exposed to a non-flu virus before or after you ...
Feb 3, 2016 ... Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or ...
Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus ...

Alternatives:

get the flu
catch the flu
come down with the flu
contract the flu
fall ill with the flu

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"get a flu"

This phrase might be used in a more general sense to refer to getting any type of flu-like illness, not necessarily the specific flu virus.

Examples:

She seems to get a flu every winter.
If you get a flu, make sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Show examples from the web [+]

Audience member: One of the things I've heard is that the real death cause when you get a flu is the associated pneumonia,
Audience member: One of the things I've heard is that the real death cause when you get a flu is the associated pneumonia, and that a pneumonia vaccine May offer you 50 percent better chance of survival.
And I'm also going to remind you that you need to get a flu shot.
I told you to get a flu shot.
You didn't get a flu shot.
And did you get a flu shot earlier this year?

Alternatives:

get the flu
catch the flu
come down with the flu
contract the flu
fall ill with the flu

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get flu vs get a flu

"get flu"

"get a flu"

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