Epidemic Diseases and Chinese Medicine: Example of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and COVID-19

Epidemic diseases, known and studied in China since antiquity, are one of the main chapters of the School of Exogenous Febrile Diseases ([Image: see text]). Along with the legends about epidemic demons, China has developed over the centuries a medical approach based on the teachings of Huang Di Nei Jing ([Image: see text] Internal Classic), Nan Jing ([Image: see text] Classic of Difficulties), and Shang Han Lun ([Image: see text] Treatise of Harmful Cold). However, it was in the 17(th) century, after the great break of the Song, Jin, and Yuan eras that an innovative spirit Wu Youxing ([Image: see text]) first foresaw the existence of microorganisms as we know them now. His Wen Yi Lun ([Image: see text] Treatise on Pestilences) foreshadows an original approach to epidemic diseases, particularly emerging infectious diseases of the 21(st) century: severe acute respiratory syndrome 2003-2004 and the COVID-19 pandemic are perfect examples. In this first article, which will be followed by two others, we will examine the classical and modern Chinese definitions of these dreadful plagues.