The flu season in Japan usually spans from September to spring of the following year. During this flu season, the number of reported flu cases in Japan reached its peak by the end of 2024. However, recent data released by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare shows that the current flu epidemic situation has reached the alert termination standard, indicating that the large-scale spread of flu has been effectively controlled.
Japanese internist Eiji Hisashi said in an interview, "Currently, the peak period of influenza in Japan has passed, and the number of influenza patients has sharply decreased. After medical examination of patients with cold symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat, it was found that the proportion of positive influenza virus tests has significantly decreased." However, based on past experience, he emphasized that after the peak of influenza A virus transmission, influenza B often follows, and this year's peak period of influenza B has not yet arrived.
Given the potential risk of influenza, for foreign tourists planning to visit Japan, Eiji Hisashi provides professional advice and recommends that they receive the influenza vaccine in advance to effectively reduce the risk of infection. At the same time, he also called on the Japanese government and relevant departments to further improve the medical treatment system for foreigners. He pointed out, "As a country that receives a large number of foreign tourists, it is necessary to establish a system that can provide proper medical services when foreign tourists experience physical discomfort during the holidays
Although the current trend of influenza epidemic in Japan has eased, the public still needs to remain vigilant. In daily life, continuing to strictly implement good personal hygiene habits such as washing hands frequently and wearing masks is not only an effective means to prevent the recurrence of influenza, but also a responsibility to maintain one's own and others' health.