How did the Russian flu of 1977 get its name?

The Russian flu of 1977, also known as the H1N1 influenza virus, got its name because it first emerged in the Soviet Union in the late winter of 1977. The outbreak quickly spread worldwide, leading to significant attention and concern, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. The virus was characterized by a strain that had not been seen in humans since the 1950s, prompting its designation as a distinct epidemic. Despite its name, the Russian flu was considered relatively mild compared to other influenza pandemics.