Synonyms
Influenza, real flu, virus fluThe flu-like, highly contagious respiratory diseases were already described by Hippocrates (ca. 460 – 370 B.C.). Since the 15th century the name influenza has been used for the flu.
In the Middle Ages the origin of diseases was astrologically based, the position of the stars led to certain diseases and epidemics, hence the name influenza (lat. : influence). In the 18th century, it was noticed that flu epidemics occurred more frequently in the winter months, and therefore the flu was associated with cold.
In the years 1918 and 1919 the biggest pandemic in history, the Spanish flu, occurred, which killed between 20 and 50 million people worldwide. This led to major scientific efforts to identify the flu pathogen, but it was not until 1933 that researchers Andrews, Smith and Laidlaw succeeded in identifying the pathogen at the National Institute for Medical Research in London. Vaccines against influenza have existed since 1952, but to this day the disease has not been controlled or even eradicated, as was the case with smallpox, for example.
At the beginning of the 21st century, over-the-counter flu rapid tests were introduced to the market that can detect the flu virus within minutes. They are useful for differentiating between flu-like infections and “real” influenza. This is particularly useful if treatment with influenza medication is planned and the patient falls ill outside the typical flu season.
