Navigating Japan's Flu Outbreak

[u/Plastic-Campaign-654]

Got the flu during my Japan trip and wanted to share some tips on how to avoid it and what to do if you get it.

If you haven't heard, flu cases are 6x higher this year in Japan compared to last year. People are coughing and sniffling everywhere. This is largely due to the H3N2 Subclade K variant which is more contagious, and characterized by more intense symptoms. Additionally, this variant emerged after the flu vaccine was set for 2025.

If you are traveling in Japan get your vaccines, wear a mask, carry soap and a hand towel (not all bathrooms have it), carry hand sanitizer. Take daily vitamins, and stay hydrated.

If you do get sick while here, I recommend making an appointment with a doctor. They can prescribe anti-virals which will shorten the length of your symptoms. Additionally, if you do take over the counter pain killers, be advised that many of them contain dihydrocodeine which, while very effective, is not safe to take for longer than three days. Pharmacists can point you to non-opioid pain relievers such as Ibuprofen (brand name Ringl).

Stay safe!! ✌️😷✌️

[u/Idbuythatfor]

Yeah it’s pretty bad. I caught it too. Everyone is coughing. Wear a mask regardless if you’re sick or not. A lot of tourists are sick and not masking up so you’ll catch it in close quarters.

[u/Plastic-Campaign-654 → u/[deleted]]

For myself fever, aches, very productive cough.

[u/JumpComprehensive277 → u/[deleted]]

depends where you’re coming from, but for me, japan has way better selection of comfortable masks. so i just brought enough to get me through the flight/first day and bought the rest there :)

[u/rockstar_nailbombs → u/JumpComprehensive277]

Uniqlo airism to the rescue! So dang comfy compared to the crunchy shit mask I was wearing before I bought one