Why do we say we have "the flu" when we say we have "a cold"?

Question

"a" and "an" are used for general purposes: "the" is specific. Is "The Flu" a specific type of flu???

Answer 1

I think the usage of "the" and "a" just developed that way because colds are less serious than flu. "A" signifies commonplace, run-of-the-mill. "The", on the other hand, denotes more importance, more significance. We have avian flu, asian flu, and a host of other strains dating back many years. How many strains of rhinovirus have been named in his way??

Recall that influenza has killed many. It was a big deal at one time. It was "THE flu". And this came about at a time when we knew less about how many rhinoviruses and influenza viruses there are.

That's what I think.

Answer 2

We say flu instead of cold because it was originally influenza, which if I'm not mistaken is a tad more serious than just your common cold. But that's the way things get twisted a bit. No biggie-do the same for the flu as you would for a cold. If it gets more serious-get a swab done.

Answer 3

I don't know, interesting question.
Both are viruses that have many different strains. There is no one specific flu. Convention of speech I suppose.
I know that usually when we say we have the flu we actually have food poisoning. The flu does not affect the stomach.

Answer 4

*lots of poeple think they have the flu when they only have a cold.if they had the flu they would be in bed,full of aches and pains sweating there cobs off and feeling like death.

Answer 5

because the flu is worse than a cold
lol
we always say "The" when something is more important usually.

Answer 6

the '' flu " is short for influenza.. it is a virus not a common cold...

Answer 7

Me thinks you have wayyyy too much time on your hands.
Maybe a second job ?
Volunteer at a local school ?
Help out at the senior center ?

Answer 8

thats how it comes in ur language.