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Japan has formally announced a nationwide flu epidemic after a sudden and unusually premature spike in cases pushed health services to the brink and forced school shutdowns.
Health officials stated that as of October 3, 4,030 individuals had been admitted to hospitals for flu, about four times higher than a week prior. Therefore, a minimum of 135 schools and childcare centres have been closed temporarily as a measure to limit the further spread of the virus.
Medical professionals believe this year's flu season is extremely severe.
Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, warned that shifting demographics and international travel could be accelerating viral adaptation, potentially making flu seasons more unpredictable in the coming years.
“The flu has come very early this year … People must take simple-sense precautions,” she warned, encouraging vaccination, hand washing, and containing the spread of the infection.
Hospitals in Kagoshima, Okinawa, Tokyo, and other severely hit areas are facing bed shortages, staff weariness, and overflowing waiting areas. Hospitals are also asking individuals to avoid unnecessary visits and seek assistance once symptoms are observed.
According to government statistics, the nationwide average of 1.04 patients per medical clinic has exceeded the epidemic level. The entire primary school in Yamagata Prefecture was compelled to close when 22 out of 36 students tested positive for flu-like symptoms, revealing just how hard some schools have been hit.
While authorities have not implemented large-scale lockdowns or mandates, they are encouraging employers and schools to adopt flexible schedules, telework, and flexible attendance practices.
Apart from encouraging immunisation, the government is re-emphasising essential distancing and hygiene precautions, especially among children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Analysts have cautioned that travellers must still wear masks, wash their hands, and be alert throughout this initial flu epidemic, which has set the travel and tourism sectors on alert too.
Hygiene protocols such as mask-wearing and frequent handwashing "can go a long way," if the strain varies from other nations, says Ashley Harvey, a travel marketing specialist based in Tokyo.
Health officials stated that as of October 3, 4,030 individuals had been admitted to hospitals for flu, about four times higher than a week prior. Therefore, a minimum of 135 schools and childcare centres have been closed temporarily as a measure to limit the further spread of the virus.
Medical professionals believe this year's flu season is extremely severe.
Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, warned that shifting demographics and international travel could be accelerating viral adaptation, potentially making flu seasons more unpredictable in the coming years.
“The flu has come very early this year … People must take simple-sense precautions,” she warned, encouraging vaccination, hand washing, and containing the spread of the infection.
Hospitals in Kagoshima, Okinawa, Tokyo, and other severely hit areas are facing bed shortages, staff weariness, and overflowing waiting areas. Hospitals are also asking individuals to avoid unnecessary visits and seek assistance once symptoms are observed.
According to government statistics, the nationwide average of 1.04 patients per medical clinic has exceeded the epidemic level. The entire primary school in Yamagata Prefecture was compelled to close when 22 out of 36 students tested positive for flu-like symptoms, revealing just how hard some schools have been hit.
While authorities have not implemented large-scale lockdowns or mandates, they are encouraging employers and schools to adopt flexible schedules, telework, and flexible attendance practices.
Apart from encouraging immunisation, the government is re-emphasising essential distancing and hygiene precautions, especially among children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Analysts have cautioned that travellers must still wear masks, wash their hands, and be alert throughout this initial flu epidemic, which has set the travel and tourism sectors on alert too.
Hygiene protocols such as mask-wearing and frequent handwashing "can go a long way," if the strain varies from other nations, says Ashley Harvey, a travel marketing specialist based in Tokyo.
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