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Japan is seeing an uncontrollable surge in influenza cases with over 6,000 influenza cases reported from 3,000 designated medical institutions as of October 10. This current outbreak has led Japan's health authorities to declare a nationwide epidemic.
"The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment this might become a more common scenario. We are seeing this resistance in Japan, but it is also being reported in other parts of the world," Yoko Tsukamoto, professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, told a leading media outlet.
"We are seeing a greater circulation of people, both in Japan and globally, with people taking the virus to new places, which is another factor behind the virus adapting to new environments."
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According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), at least 2 patients per institution have been diagnosed with influenza, which exceeds the official epidemic threshold of 1.00.
Reports suggest that Okinawa and Tokyo are the most affected regions in prefectures. About 134 schools, kindergartens and child care facilities have been shut down in Tokyo, Okinawa, Kagoshima and Yamagata with 28 of Japan's 47 perfectures in the past two weeks due to increased cases of influenza. Local media reports indicate that a primary school in Yamagata also shut after 22 out of 36 pupils showed flu-like symptoms.
Influenza is a medical condition that affects your respiratory system, such as lungs, throat and nose. This illness is also known as flu, which is very contagious and can cause illness that ranges from mild to severe. According to Pfizer, about 2,90,000 to 6,50,000 people across the globe die from influenza-related respiratory illnesses every year.
Japan's MHLW issued an advisory for travellers in the country for maintaining strict hygiene. Tourists are encouraged to wear masks in crowded places and practice frequent hand washing. It also suggests that health insurance covers medical care during your stay in Japan.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that influenza symptoms may vary from person to person and the severity of the case. Here are some signs and symptoms of influenza which people may experience all of them or some of them:
Surge of influenza cases in Japan heightens risk of spreading across borders, particularly in Singapore, Thailand and India. Global health monitoring groups like the World Health Organization (WHO) are currently tracking strain evolution to further recommend on adjusting vaccine formulation if required.
The dominant flu strain in India which is very similar to Japan's ongoing battle with influenza is H3N2. According to reports at least 70% of households in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad have one positive case. India's health ministry reports that between January and September, 1 lakh samples were tested and out of which 25% were tested H3N2 positive.
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Japan's flu refers to the nationwide epidemic that is currently occurring in Japan, with 28 out of 47 prefectures being affected.
The best way to prevent yourself from Japan's flu is by wearing mask and washing your hands frequently.
Younger children, pregnant women and individuals with chronic health conditions are at high risk of contracting influenza.
Some of the regular symptoms of seasonal influenza include high fever, cough, sore throat, body pain, fatigue and chills.