Is influenza A classified as cold-type or heat-type common cold in traditional Chinese medicine?
Dec 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Influenza A usually refers to Influenza A virus infection. Influenza A is neither wind-cold感冒 nor wind-heat感冒, as these two belong to different medical classifications and should not be confused. Influenza A is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the Influenza A virus. It has a sudden onset and is often accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, headache, and muscle aches. The cause is well-defined and the disease is contagious.
Influenza A usually refers to Influenza A viral infection. Generally speaking, Influenza A is neither categorized as a cold due to wind-cold nor as one due to wind-heat in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as these two types belong to different medical systems and should not be confused. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Influenza A is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the Influenza A virus. It has a sudden onset and is commonly accompanied by high fever, headache, muscle aches, and other symptoms. Its cause is clear and it is contagious. In contrast, wind-cold and wind-heat colds are TCM classifications of common colds based on syndrome differentiation. Wind-cold colds are mostly triggered by exposure to cold, manifesting as chills and clear nasal discharge; wind-heat colds are primarily caused by heat exposure, presenting as sore throat and yellow nasal discharge. Neither involves specific viral etiology. Clinically, treatments differ: Influenza A requires targeted antiviral medications, whereas wind-cold or wind-heat colds are mainly managed with TCM remedies based on individualized pattern diagnosis.
In daily life, protective measures should be taken to reduce the risk of viral infection. After developing a cold, it's important to promptly identify the specific type and receive appropriate treatment to maintain good health.
