Flu Virus in Japan: What to Know About the Outbreak

Influenza cases significantly increased at the end of December 2024. This increase continues to January and early February. Authorities said the current outbreak of flu virus in Japan has reached a new record since 1999.

The Japanese influenza virus infects people of all ages. In early February, a Taiwanese artist, Barbie Hsu, died after suffering from influenza-related pneumonia during a holiday in Japan. How fatal is the influenza virus in Japan? 

Cases of Flu Virus in Japan

The flu outbreak in Japan reached an alert level starting on 29 December 2024. At the end of December, Japanese authorities reported over 317,800 weekly flu cases. 

On average, there were 64.3 cases per medical institution in Japan. This number is higher than the 1999 flu outbreak. At that time, there were 57.09 cases per medical institution on average. Moreover, the average of new cases per day was over 66,100 over the past 144 days.

Some Japanese cities suffered from a more severe flu outbreak than other cities. They are typically popular tourist destinations. The infection rate in Tokyo and Osaka is concerning.

Some hospitals in Tokyo refused to admit patients with mild flu symptoms. They only admit those who have severe flu symptoms. Meanwhile, in Osaka, there were almost 30 new Japan flu cases per region. 

The severe outbreak of the flu virus in Japan had put local hospitals under strain. Some hospitals cannot secure enough medical staff to treat many patients. Due to the heavy workload and severity of the outbreaks, many doctors and nurses also caught the flu.

Japanese Influenza: Types of Viruses, Symptoms, and More

Two flu virus types caused the Japan flu outbreak. These viruses are type B flu virus and influenza type A. What are their symptoms and how to treat them? 

1. About Influenza Type A and B

Experts categorize flu viruses into four types. Two of them are types A and B. The former is more common than type B. In addition, influenza type A has several strains, such as H1N1 and H3N2. Flu type A infects humans and animals. Moreover, they mutate easily.

Meanwhile, influenza type B only infects humans and is less likely to mutate. Type B viruses commonly come from one of two lineages, i.e., B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages. Type B may cause severe illness in children under 5.

On the other hand, flu type A is more common in adults. This virus is also more aggressive than the type B. Moreover, it may cause severe illness in adults, particularly the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases.

2. Flu Symptoms in Japan 

Both influenza types have similar symptoms, i.e., headache, fever, fatigue, sore throat, muscle ache, and cough. Some people also suffer from chills, nasal congestion, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea when catching Japanese flu.

Moreover, people with weak immune systems may undergo complications, e.g., pneumonia, myocarditis, and middle ear infections. Reports said there were four young patients with influenza-associated brain encephalopathy in Tokyo. In addition, it is also reported one of them has died.

3. Treatment

The common symptoms of the flu virus in Japan typically last 4 to 7 days. Those who suffer from mild symptoms don’t need to go to hospitals to get flu treatment. They can rest at home, drink plenty of water, and take vitamins and OTC medications to relieve the symptoms.

However, those with particular medical conditions and suffer from severe symptoms must immediately seek medical help. Doctors will give antiviral drugs (Relenza or Tamiflu) to treat the flu viruses. 

4. Prevention

Japanese people must take some actions to prevent the spread of the flu virus. Below are several preventions they can do.

• Get a flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks for the body to build the antibody after getting the shot.

• Wear a mask when attending events or in crowded settings.

• Cover the nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing. Don’t forget to throw the tissue in the garbage bin.

• Washing hands and disinfecting the environment.

Japan Flu Outbreak Warning

Due to tourism activities in Japan, the flu outbreak may spread to other countries. Therefore, governments of different regions must warn their people about the Japan influenza outbreak before holidaying in Japan. 

Moreover, these governments must use several communication channels to make people aware of that situation. One of these channels is the cell broadcast. 

Authorities can use this channel to send warnings and flu prevention tips to people in the airport or immigration office. This method is cost-effective and can reach many people at once.

The outbreak of the flu virus in Japan is a serious condition. The outbreak may spread to other countries. Therefore, governments of neighboring countries must warn their people about the Japanese flu through various channels, e.g., the cell broadcast. Governments can purchase the broadcast machine here.