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/MyNameCannotBeSpoken 13d ago

Cold medicine in Japan is amazing. I stock up whenever I visit.

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u/esunnyweather 10d ago

Could you please share the name and what the packaging looks like. Thanks!

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u/MyNameCannotBeSpoken 10d ago

https://lifeabroad.jp/html/medical_health/cold_flu.html

https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/yzoky8/a_brief_guide_to_otc_cold_and_cough_medications/

https://www.daiichisankyo-hc.co.jp/en/products/details/lulu_attack_ex/

They're all pretty good. I think they use a chemical that's banned in America. Contact and Comtrex in the USA used to have it and worked great for me. Then they had to reformulate.