Italian · Body & Health
"Flu" in Italian: influenza
l'influenza
Flu in Italian is l'influenza (een-floo-EN-tsah), feminine. Ho l'influenza means I have the flu. It is stronger than un raffreddore (a cold).
Calling in sick
Resto a letto: ho l'influenza.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce influenza
Say it
een-floo-EN-tsah
/influˈɛn.tsa/
Influenza stresses EN: een-floo-EN-tsah. Soft ts before a. With the article: leen-floo-EN-tsah.
"Flu" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| l'influenza | the flu Default illness name. | Default illness name. |
| avere l'influenza | to have the flu Ho l'influenza. | Ho l'influenza. |
| una brutta influenza | a bad flu Intensity. | Intensity. |
| influenza intestinale | stomach flu Everyday (not always medical flu). | Everyday (not always medical flu). |
How to use influenza in real life
- 1Calling in sick
Resto a letto: ho l'influenza.
I'm staying in bed: I have the flu.
Ho l'influenza.
- 2Pharmacy
Avete qualcosa contro l'influenza?
Do you have something for the flu?
Contro l'influenza.
- 3Friend check-in
Questa influenza mi lascia senza forze.
This flu leaves me with no strength.
Questa influenza.
Mistakes English speakers make with influenza
Incorrect: Ho il flu.
Correct: Ho l'influenza.
Use influenza, not English flu.
Incorrect: Ho un raffreddore forte, cioè influenza?
Correct: Se è influenza, di' ho l'influenza: un raffreddore is a cold.
Keep raffreddore and influenza distinct.
Good to know
In winter Italians talk about l'influenza the way they talk about the weather—half medical, half social excuse. Pharmacies are the first stop; a doctor visit comes if fever lasts.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Texting that you cannot meet
ChatPal
Allora, ci vediamo stasera?
So, see you tonight?
You
No, ho l'influenza: meglio restare a casa.
No, I have the flu: better to stay home.
ChatPal
Oh no. Da quanto hai l'influenza?
Oh no. How long have you had the flu?
You
Da due giorni, con un po' di febbre.
For two days, with a bit of fever.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Flu" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Flu" in Italian
How do I say I have the flu?
Ho l'influenza.
Flu vs cold?
Influenza is flu; raffreddore is a cold.
Gender?
Feminine: l'influenza, una influenza.
Stomach flu?
People say influenza intestinale in everyday talk.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- How to Learn Italian Fast and Speak with ConfidenceLearn how to learn Italian with a clear roadmap, speaking-first tactics and daily habits that turn basics into real conversation confidence.
- Translate Hello in Italian with ConfidenceLearn how to translate hello in Italian with context, pronunciation, and practice prompts. Master ciao, buongiorno, buonasera, and salve for real conversations.
