The health ministry has revealed that the average number of influenza cases per regularly monitored medical facility in Japan has reached warning levels at the quickest rate in ten years.
Current Scenario of Flu in Japan:
According to reports, Japan announced that the average number of influenza cases assigned to authorized medical facilities throughout the country has reached warning levels at the highest rate in ten years.
According to the Japan Times, which cited medical specialists, the rise in flu cases is a reflection of decreased influenza immunity, since impact had decreased in previous years as a result of anti-infection measures taken against the coronavirus pandemic. According to them, the influenza virus is spreading around one month sooner than usual.
What is the Census Report ?
According to Japan’s health minister, in the week ending December 10, 166,690 patients were recorded across almost 5,000 facilities, with an average of 33.72 individuals per facility.
It said that this was above the 30 warning level. The number of patients countrywide was estimated by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases to be around 1,118,000.
Are Coronavirus Cases Also Increasing ?
According to officials, coronavirus instances have also been rising over the past three weeks. This implies that when the nation has social events for the end of the year and the start of the next year, the virus may spread even further.
According to officials, during the week ending on Sunday, 6,382 educational establishments throughout the country were forced to close their schools and some classes.
The typical seasons for influenza epidemics are the winter and the end of spring, but this year there was an unusual spike in cases starting in August. In October, there were more flu cases than the predicted minimum of 10 cases per institution for that month.
Reasons for the infection :
People were less exposed to common diseases during lockdowns and times of social distance. Although this was successful in halting the spread of COVID-19, it could have decreased immune system activation from other infections, which could have had an impact on the immune response’s overall strength.
This reduced immunity to influenza is the cause of the rapid rise. It’s interesting to note that reports from medical professionals indicate that the influenza virus is starting to spread around a month sooner than normal.
According to Nobuhiko Okabe, the director of the Kawasaki City Institute for Public Health, “individual measures for preventing infection are the same as those for COVID-19,” which include being vaccinated, using masks, and avoiding crowded locations.
The following tactics can assist you in avoiding contracting the flu:
Maintain Proper Hand Sanitation:
- Especially after using the restroom, coughing, sneezing, or touching common surfaces, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Put on some hand sanitizer:
- In the event that soap and water are unavailable, apply an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Don’t Touch Your Face:
- Avoid touching your lips, nose, or eyes since these mucosal surfaces might allow the flu virus to enter your body.
Keep your nose and mouth shut:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you sneeze or cough. After disposing of tissues properly, immediately wash your hands.
Keep Away from Ill People:
- To stop the virus from spreading to others, remain at home if you are ill and avoid close contact with sick people.
Empty and Rinse:
- Doorknobs, light switches, and electronic equipment are examples of commonly handled surfaces that should be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis at work, home, and school.
Maintain Good Respiratory Health:
- When you’re sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading the illness to others.
Activate Your Defenses:
- To boost your immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, frequent exercise, enough sleep, and stress reduction.
Remain Up to Date:
- Keep yourself updated on local flu activity. Take special care to prevent exposure if there is an outbreak.
