this is an early-stage warm-febrile disease which enters through the nose and mouth and attacks the lungs. depending on how much the wei qi is involved, heat in the superficial aspect of the lungs results in fever with or without chills, cough, sore throat, a red-tipped tongue, and a white or yellow tongue coating.

if the pathogenic influence is still in the exterior, the tongue coating will be normal (thin and white). when heat injures the fluids it causes thirst. the floating, rapid pulse reflects the presence of superficial heat.

(bensky & barolet)