Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Japan Sees Early Flu Season as Virus Evolves, But Health Experts Advise Simple Precautions Over Worry

Japan's flu season has arrived earlier than usual, as a result, this has marked the country's second-earliest start in two decades. As per the reports by <em>Japan Times </em>and <em>South China Morning Post</em>, the health authorities too confirmed that influenza cases have surpassed the one-per-hospital threshold across roughly 3,000 medical institution. This, as official signalled, level is what marked the flu season.

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As per Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, an average of 1.04 flu patients were reported per hospital in the week beginning September 22, landing up to Sunday. On October 3, the Health Ministry declared an epidemic after 4,030 people were treated at designated medical institutions. The number show an increase from 957 cases, from the week before that. 

The highest infection rates so far have been seen in Okinawa, averaging nearly nine patients per institution, followed by Tokyo, Kagoshima, and Fukuoka. In contrast, regions such as Tottori and Akita have recorded very few cases. The health ministry has urged residents to take routine preventive steps, washing hands frequently, wearing masks in crowded places, and getting vaccinated.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/japan-flu-outbreak-how-climate-change-has-resulted-in-the-early-arrival-of-viruses-article-152986187" data-type="tilCustomLink">Japan Flu Outbreak: How Climate Change Has Resulted In The Early Arrival Of Viruses</a>

Health experts, as reported by <em>South China Morning Post </em>have said that the early wave may suggest that influenza viruses are now evolving. It also mean that they are spreading more easily. 

“The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment, this might become a more common scenario,” said Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, in an interview with the media outlet <em>This Week </em>in Asia.

Around 135 schools and childcare centres were temporarily closed in the week Japan treated over 4,000 patients.

<h2>What Can Work? Is There A Need To Worry?</h2>

Researchers suggest several reasons for this early and rapid spread. One major factor is increased global travel and tourism in the post-pandemic era, which allows viruses to move more freely between populations.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/8-pickleball-warm-up-exercises-to-avoid-injuries-according-to-expert-article-152990168" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"> 8 Pickleball Warm-Up Exercises To Avoid Injuries, According To Expert</a>

“We are seeing a greater circulation of people, both in Japan and globally, with people taking the virus to new places,” Tsukamoto explained. This constant movement can expose viruses to new environments, and in turn, encourage them to adapt faster.

There is also emerging evidence that indicates that some influenza strains are developing resistance to conventional treatments, a trend that scientists say warrants close observation but not panic. For now, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Tsukamoto noted that while influenza is rarely dangerous for healthy adults, it can pose risks for young children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses, who should consider getting vaccinated early.

However, experts have pointed out to not worry and follow "common sense precautions". These include good hand hygiene, proper ventilation, mask-wearing in crowded places, and timely vaccination. “For people who are healthy, the flu should not be too dangerous, although it could be unpleasant,” said Tsukamoto.

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Japan's flu season has arrived earlier than usual, as a result, this has marked the country's second-earliest start in two decades. As per the reports by Japan Times and South China Morning Post, the health authorities too confirmed that influenza cases have surpassed the one-per-hospital threshold across roughly 3,000 medical institution. This, as official signalled, level is what marked the flu season.Also Read: Is Huntington’s Disease Genetic? Here’s Everything You Should Know As per Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, an average of 1.04 flu patients were reported per hospital in the week beginning September 22, landing up to Sunday. On October 3, the Health Ministry declared an epidemic after 4,030 people were treated at designated medical institutions. The number show an increase from 957 cases, from the week before that. Where Are The Cases Rising?The highest infection rates so far have been seen in Okinawa, averaging nearly nine patients per institution, followed by Tokyo, Kagoshima, and Fukuoka. In contrast, regions such as Tottori and Akita have recorded very few cases. The health ministry has urged residents to take routine preventive steps, washing hands frequently, wearing masks in crowded places, and getting vaccinated.Read: Japan Flu Outbreak: How Climate Change Has Resulted In The Early Arrival Of VirusesIs There An Evolving Virus?Health experts, as reported by South China Morning Post have said that the early wave may suggest that influenza viruses are now evolving. It also mean that they are spreading more easily. “The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment, this might become a more common scenario,” said Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, in an interview with the media outlet This Week in Asia.Around 135 schools and childcare centres were temporarily closed in the week Japan treated over 4,000 patients.What Can Work? Is There A Need To Worry?Researchers suggest several reasons for this early and rapid spread. One major factor is increased global travel and tourism in the post-pandemic era, which allows viruses to move more freely between populations.Also Read: 8 Pickleball Warm-Up Exercises To Avoid Injuries, According To Expert“We are seeing a greater circulation of people, both in Japan and globally, with people taking the virus to new places,” Tsukamoto explained. This constant movement can expose viruses to new environments, and in turn, encourage them to adapt faster.There is also emerging evidence that indicates that some influenza strains are developing resistance to conventional treatments, a trend that scientists say warrants close observation but not panic. For now, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Tsukamoto noted that while influenza is rarely dangerous for healthy adults, it can pose risks for young children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses, who should consider getting vaccinated early.However, experts have pointed out to not worry and follow "common sense precautions". These include good hand hygiene, proper ventilation, mask-wearing in crowded places, and timely vaccination. “For people who are healthy, the flu should not be too dangerous, although it could be unpleasant,” said Tsukamoto.