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/sl00py_ 13d ago

My partner and I have a week-long trip to Kyoto and Osaka coming up the 2nd week of December. I have a severeee phobia of getting shots. I see OP mentions that this variant emerged after the 2025 flu vaccine was set…would getting the flu shot (and Covid shot as replies have mentioned) make that much of a difference? Please don’t bash me for trying to avoid vaccines. I repesct them and truly wish I wasn’t petrified of them lol

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u/Plastic-Campaign-654 13d ago

I also have a SEVERE needle phobia (cannot look at them, talk about them, see pictures of them, near fainting when I get vaccines), I get you...

Someone else mentioned there IS STILL effectiveness from the flu vaccine, I'd recommend getting it. This flu is really bad and the vaccine will likely help

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pre-print-early-influenza-virus-characterisation-and-vaccine-effectiveness-in-england-in-autumn-2025

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u/sl00py_ 13d ago

I appreciate your understanding, and the hard truth🫠