Is influenza a Class A infectious disease?
May 30, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
In general, influenza is not a Class A communicable disease, but rather belongs to Class C. Common communicable diseases are categorized into Class A, B, and C. Class A typically includes plague and cholera—both highly infectious diseases subject to mandatory management. Class B usually includes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), AIDS, and others. Class C includes influenza, mumps, and similar diseases.
Generally speaking, influenza is not a Class A communicable disease, but rather classified as a Class C communicable disease. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Commonly known communicable diseases are categorized into three classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A diseases typically include plague and cholera—both highly infectious diseases requiring mandatory management. Class B diseases usually include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), AIDS, viral hepatitis, anthrax, poliomyelitis, measles, and others; these are less infectious than Class A diseases. Class C communicable diseases include influenza, mumps, rubella, acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, among others. Therefore, influenza is categorized as a Class C communicable disease.
In summary, influenza is not a Class A communicable disease. It should be noted that if a Class A communicable disease is detected, mandatory control measures must be implemented immediately, and the case must be reported promptly to prevent uncontrolled spread. When other infectious diseases occur, individuals should also seek timely medical treatment at a hospital and take proper isolation measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
