The flu (influenza) is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs.

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

6 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that the flu (influenza) is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs?

Yes. The evidence items consistently state that the flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses affecting the nose, throat, and lungs.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 6 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 4 Oct 2026

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Evidence for · 6

Wikipedia: Influenza

Reference article covering this claim directly

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Wikipedia: Influenza. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza

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More for · 5

PLOS (all journals): Etiology and Clinical Characterization of Respiratory Virus Infections in Adult Patients Attending an Emergency Department in Beijing

Mentions influenza viruses as respiratory virus infections.

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PLOS (all journals): Etiology and Clinical Characterization of Respiratory Virus Infections in Adult Patients Attending an Emergency Department in Beijing. (n.d.). PLOS (all journals). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0032174

ClinicalTrials.gov: Rechallenge With a Low Pathogenicity Avian H10N7 Influenza Virus in Healthy Human Volunteers Previously Challenged With H10N7 Influenza

States influenza is a virus that can cause symptoms like sore throat and cough.

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ClinicalTrials.gov: Rechallenge With a Low Pathogenicity Avian H10N7 Influenza Virus in Healthy Human Volunteers Previously Challenged With H10N7 Influenza. (n.d.). ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07215871

Human Disease Ontology: Human Disease Ontology: avian influenza

Notes avian influenza results in infection located in the respiratory tract.

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Human Disease Ontology: Human Disease Ontology: avian influenza. (n.d.). Human Disease Ontology. http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/DOID_4492

GovInfo: FR 2012 03 07

Explicitly defines influenza as a viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs.

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GovInfo: FR 2012 03 07. (n.d.). GovInfo. https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/FR-2012-03-07

LibreTexts: LibreTexts: 10.5F: Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases

Defines influenza as an infectious disease of birds and mammals caused by influenza viruses.

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LibreTexts: LibreTexts: 10.5F%3A  Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases. (n.d.). LibreTexts. https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Microbiology/Microbiology_(Boundless)/10%3A_Epidemiology/10.05%3A_Epidemiology_and_Public_Health/10.5F%3A__Emerging_and_Reemerging_Infectious_Diseases

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