Flu vs. Flue — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, while a flue is a duct or pipe for exhaust gases in buildings.
Difference Between Flu and Flue
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The flu, short for influenza, is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system and is known for symptoms like fever, cough, and aches. Whereas, a flue refers to a chimney or vent pipe that expels smoke, gases, or hot air from a fireplace, stove, or furnace.
People often receive vaccinations to protect against the flu, especially in regions with seasonal outbreaks. On the other hand, flues require regular maintenance such as cleaning and inspection to ensure they are clear of blockages and functioning properly.
The spread of the flu can lead to epidemics or even pandemics, affecting large populations worldwide. Conversely, a flue is a static component of a building's heating system and plays no role in disease transmission.
Treatments for the flu typically include rest, fluids, and antiviral medications, aimed at reducing symptoms and speeding recovery. In contrast, issues with a flue, such as leaks or blockages, are addressed through repairs or cleaning by professionals.
Public health campaigns often focus on flu prevention through hygiene and vaccinations. Meanwhile, safety campaigns related to flues emphasize the importance of proper installation and maintenance to prevent issues like carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A viral infection affecting the respiratory system.
A duct for smoke and gas in buildings.
Purpose/Use
Causes illness; requires medical treatment.
Used for venting gases to the outside.
Related Health/Safety Measures
Vaccination, hygiene practices.
Cleaning, proper installation.
Impact
Affects human health worldwide.
Impacts building safety and efficiency.
Maintenance/Treatment
Managed with medications, rest.
Requires cleaning, structural checks.
Compare with Definitions
Flu
Can lead to more severe complications in vulnerable populations.
The elderly are often advised to get flu shots to prevent complications.
Flue
Integral to the heating systems like furnaces and boilers.
Regular flue inspections can prevent dangerous leaks.
Flu
Highly contagious and varies in severity each season.
This year’s flu strain appears to be particularly virulent.
Flue
A channel in a chimney for conveying exhaust gases.
The old house’s flue needed cleaning before they could use the fireplace.
Flu
An infectious viral illness with respiratory symptoms.
She caught the flu last winter and was bedridden for a week.
Flue
Varies in type depending on heating method and building design.
The new bio-energy plant was equipped with a state-of-the-art flue system.
Flu
Treated with rest, fluids, and sometimes antiviral drugs.
During the flu season, pharmacies stock up on antiviral medications.
Flue
Often requires inspection and maintenance.
He scheduled a flue inspection as part of the home’s annual maintenance.
Flu
Known for causing fever, cough, and body aches.
The flu swept through the office, leaving many employees sick.
Flue
Must be kept clear to prevent blockages and hazards.
A blocked flue can lead to dangerous accumulations of carbon monoxide.
Flu
Influenza
She was in bed with flu
Flue
A flue is a duct, pipe, or opening in a chimney for conveying exhaust gases from a fireplace, furnace, water heater, boiler, or generator to the outdoors. Historically the term flue meant the chimney itself.
Flu
Influenza.
Flue
A duct for smoke and waste gases produced by a fire, a gas heater, a power station, or other fuel-burning installation
No air rises up the chimney, usually because the flue is blocked
Flue gases
Flu
Any of several infections that affect the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract and are caused by viruses other than the influenza virus.
Flue
A pipe, tube, or channel for conveying hot air, gas, steam, or smoke, as from a furnace or fireplace to a chimney.
Flu
Influenza.
Catch flu
Get over the flu
Transmit flu
Flue
An organ pipe sounded by means of a current of air striking a lip in the side of the pipe and causing the air within to vibrate. Also called labial.
Flu
(informal) Stomach flu.
Flue
The lipped opening in such a pipe.
Flu
An acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
Flue
A fishing net.
Flue
A pipe or duct that carries gaseous combustion products away from the point of combustion (such as a furnace).
Flue
An enclosed passageway in which to direct air or other gaseous current along.
Flue
A woolly or downy substance; down, nap; a piece of this.
Flue
In an organ flue pipe, the opening between the lower lip and the languet.
Flue
An inclosed passage way for establishing and directing a current of air, gases, etc.; an air passage
Flue
In an organ flue pipe, the opening between the lower lip and the languet.
Flue
Light down, such as rises from cotton, fur, etc.; very fine lint or hair.
Flue
Flat blade-like projection on the arm of an anchor
Flue
Organ pipe whose tone is produced by air passing across the sharp edge of a fissure or lip
Flue
A conduit to carry off smoke
Common Curiosities
How is the flu transmitted?
It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk.
What are the risks of a poorly maintained flue?
Risks include fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Can the flu be prevented?
Yes, through vaccinations and good hygiene practices.
How often should a flue be cleaned?
It is recommended to clean flues at least once a year or as needed.
What is the purpose of a flue in a building?
It safely vents smoke and gases from heating systems outside.
Are there different types of flues?
Yes, including single-wall, double-wall, and flexible flue liners.
What are common symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.
What is the flu?
The flu is a viral respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses.
What materials are flues typically made from?
Flues are commonly made from metal, clay, or concrete depending on the application.
How does the flu differ from the common cold?
The flu is generally more severe and comes on more suddenly than a cold.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
