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What Is the Shanghai Flu?

The Shanghai flu is one of dozens of strains of influenza, an acute viral infection that is easily communicated between people and that can spread worldwide within a matter of a few months, causing a pandemic.

  1. Types

    • Two strains of Shanghai flu have been identified, Shanghai A and Shanghai B.

    1990 Epidemic

    • During the winter of 1989 to 1990 Shanghai A caused a nationwide epidemic in the U.S., according to the New York Times. Wrote the Times in January, 1990, "The A-Shanghai virus has also been responsible for Britain's worst flu epidemic in 14 years. Much of Europe, including the Soviet Union, has also been affected. In Britain last month, the epidemic put so many people in the hospital that London hospitals had to cancel thousands of routine operations and accept only emergency admissions."

    Flu Vaccine 1989-1990

    • Fortunately, Shanghai A was included in the seasonal flu vaccine for that year. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in January 1990, "Last year, the experts used the system to identify a virus first seen in China as the most likely American flu for this season. Because the scientists were right, and included Shanghai A in this year's flu vaccine, millions of people worldwide were protected."

    Shanghai A Vacine

    • Shanghai A has not been recommended for inclusion in the seasonal flu for the Northern Hemisphere since before 1998 to 1999 (the earliest year for which information is provided on the WHO website), according to the World Health Organization.

    Shanghai B Flu Vaccine

    • Shanghai B was last recommended for inclusion in the seasonal flu vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere in 2004 to 2005, according to the WHO.

    Stock Market

    • The term "Shanghai flu" has another meaning that refers to a drop in the Chinese stock markets that leads to a drop in stock markets around the world.

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