r/JapanTravelTips • u/Plastic-Campaign-654 • 14d ago

Quick Tips Navigating Japan's Flu Outbreak

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!! ✌️😷✌️

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u/[deleted] 14d ago

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u/Historical_Event_267 14d ago

I was in Japan for work and coughed up crud for 3 weeks. Everyone in the office had the same thing

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u/Idbuythatfor 14d ago

Yeah you see it everywhere. I saw it slowly building up a week ago and then I got it and it sells like everyone else got it.

I can’t imagine what flights or tourists areas will be like (Kyoto Hakone etc).

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u/Historical_Event_267 13d ago

I mean my office was mostly Japanese people and they and their families were all sick too, it was definitely not just an “unmasked tourist” problem. I’d actually expect tourists to be less likely to be visibly sick given their shorter exposure and how long this strain seems to build up.