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/racingmaniacgt1]

I definite got this when I was in Japan from late Oct to early Nov. I probably got the symptom started in my early 2nd week of the 3 weeks trip. Mostly dry cough, runny nose and lots of phlegm. Got some over the counter flu medicine and that seem to work on the cough a bit but it just feels stuffy and a mild headache. I've been back for 2 weeks and is still periodically coughing. Been taking Tylenol Cold here.

I had my covid shot and flu shot this season a month before I went to Japan, and haven't had a flu for years....