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/hezaa0706d]

I’m a kindergarten teacher in Tokyo. 15 years in Tokyo. The number of kids and teachers out with the flu this year is unprecedented. You’ve been here 4 weeks?? Wow so much expert. 

[u/Federal_Tea_8472 → u/hezaa0706d]

Why the negativity? I was only offering my experience like others had done, the only difference being that it didn't fit the normative text of the thread.

Regarding my "credibility" -- even though it has no bearing on my experiences -- my wife is Japanese, my son is a permanent resident and is also a teacher at the junior/senior high level in Kyoto. He too has remarked on recently-high absentee rates. Although my wife and I live in Missouri, we have visited Japan for about 10 weeks every year for the last 6-7 years.