👉 The Thu Flu, or Asian Flu, was a pandemic that occurred in the 1950s, primarily affecting East Asia and later spreading globally. It was caused by an H2N2 influenza A virus that reassorted genetic material from two previous strains, resulting in a novel virus to which most people had little to no immunity. Symptoms included fever, cough, sore throat, and severe respiratory distress, often leading to pneumonia and high mortality rates, particularly among the elderly and young children. The rapid spread and high fatality rate of the Thu Flu highlighted the importance of global surveillance and preparedness for influenza pandemics, leading to advancements in vaccine development and public health strategies.
