Influenza Surge in Japan Threatens Schools and Healthcare System While COVID-19 Cases Are Also Rising Nationwide

Medical News: Rising Influenza Cases Across Japan
Japan is grappling with an alarming surge in influenza cases, marking one of the worst outbreaks in recent years. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) reported over 94,000 flu cases in just one week across approximately 5,000 hospitals and clinics nationwide. This has brought the total number of cases for the current flu season to over 718,000 as of mid-December.
https://www.niid.go.jp/niid/en/survaillance-data-table-english/13030-idwr-sokuho-data-e-2449.html
 
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/001359460.pdf
 
The situation has raised concerns among health experts who attribute the sharp rise in cases to reduced immunity within the population, a lingering effect of limited exposure to the influenza virus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ishida Tadashi, the head of the influenza panel at the Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases, has warned that the outbreak could peak in January, potentially overwhelming healthcare systems. This Medical News report delves into the crisis, examining the regions most affected, the impact on schools and hospitals, and the measures being taken to combat the virus.
 
Tokyo’s Growing Flu Crisis
The capital city, Tokyo, has seen a dramatic increase in influenza cases, with weekly reports indicating a doubling of infections. As of the most recent data, Tokyo has surpassed the caution threshold of 10 cases per medical institution, reporting an average of 17.36 cases. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has sounded the alarm, urging residents to adopt preventive measures such as wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and avoiding crowded places.
 
The situation in Tokyo is particularly concerning due to the city’s dense population and high mobility. Schools and public facilities in the city have reported an uptick in closures and restrictions. The number of outbreaks at schools, elderly care facilities, and other institutions has nearly doubled to 211 in a single week, reflecting the virus’s rapid spread.
 
Provinces with the Highest Flu Infections
While Tokyo remains a focal point, several other prefectures are experiencing severe outbreaks. Oita and Fukuoka, located in the Kyushu region, have reported the highest averages of flu cases per medical institution, with figures of 37.22 and 35.4, respectively. These numbers far exceed the warning level of 30 cases, indicating the potential for further escalation.
 
In addition, 40 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures have surpassed the alert threshold of 10 cases per medical institution. Osaka, another urban hub, recorded an average of 21.79 cases, while Hokkaido, in the northern region, also reported significant increases. Nara Prefecture, in particular, has reported a staggering 300% rise in diagnoses within just one week, making it one of the hardest-hit areas.
 
Schools on High Alert
The influenza outbreak has taken a severe toll on educational institutions. More than 1,400 schools across Japan have been forced to temporarily close or suspend classes due to widespread infections among students. This figure has doubled c ompared to the previous week, highlighting the rapid spread of the virus among younger populations.
 
Tokyo and Osaka have reported some of the highest numbers of affected schools, with rural areas like Nara and Oita also seeing significant disruptions. The closures have posed significant challenges for families, particularly working parents who depend on schools for stability in their routines. The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines for schools to adopt stringent hygiene practices, including routine disinfection of classrooms and encouraging students to wear masks.
 
Healthcare Facilities Under Strain
The surge in cases has overwhelmed healthcare facilities nationwide. In Tokyo, clinics like the Ito Ouji Kamiya Clinic have reported a fivefold increase in patient visits within a single week. Dr. Hirohito Ito, who leads the clinic, noted that they have been forced to redirect patients to other facilities due to overcrowding.

Osaka hospitals are facing similar challenges, with long queues of patients experiencing high fevers, severe coughs, and muscle pain. Smaller towns and rural areas, where healthcare infrastructure is limited, are struggling even more. Local hospitals in Oita and Fukuoka have reported running out of beds for severe cases requiring hospitalization. The situation is exacerbated by staff shortages, as healthcare workers themselves are not immune to the virus.
 
Medicine Shortages Add to the Crisis
The ongoing outbreak has led to a critical shortage of essential medicines. Pharmacies across the country are reporting stockouts of cough syrups, pediatric antibiotics, and fever reducers. The Ariake Family Pharmacy in Tokyo, for example, has completely run out of pediatric medications, leaving families scrambling for alternatives.
 
Kazumasa Kobayashi, a pharmacist in Tokyo, explained that medicine delivery times, which typically take 24 hours, are now delayed by up to two weeks. This shortage extends beyond basic symptom relief, with even antibiotics for secondary infections becoming unavailable. Although antiviral drugs remain accessible for now, there are growing concerns about supply chain disruptions during the upcoming New Year holiday period.
 
COVID-19 Cases Also Rising Exponentially Nationwide
Emerging data shows that COVID-19 cases are also rising nationwide across Japan, driven by the XEC variant.
https://web.sapmed.ac.jp/canmol/coronavirus/japan_estimate.html
 
The rise in COVID-19 started in late November but has started rising exponentially over the last few days with new sub-lineages of XEC such as XEC.2 and many other behind the sudden rise.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-cases-rise-in-japan-for-the-first-time-in-three-months-driven-by-the-highly-contagious-xec-variant
 
Government and Public Health Responses
The Japanese government has implemented emergency measures to address the crisis. These include redistributing medical supplies to regions facing acute shortages and intensifying vaccination campaigns. Public health officials have reiterated the importance of basic preventive measures such as wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and maintaining well-ventilated indoor spaces.

Vaccination efforts are being prioritized for high-risk groups, including the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions. Dr. Norio Sugaya, a renowned infectious disease expert, has emphasized the importance of vaccinations, particularly for those aged 65 and older, who are more susceptible to severe outcomes.
 
Economic and Social Impact
The outbreak’s repercussions extend beyond public health, impacting Japan’s economy and daily life. School closures and workplace absences have disrupted productivity, while public concerns over the health crisis have dampened consumer activity. The tourism sector, which typically thrives during the New Year holiday season, is also facing setbacks as people cancel travel plans.
 
On the other hand, pharmaceutical companies and medical supply manufacturers are experiencing a surge in demand. Some companies have reported a 40% increase in orders for flu-related products, underscoring the economic ripple effects of the outbreak.
 
Prevention and Projections
To curb the spread of the virus, health authorities continue to stress preventive measures, including:
 
-Wearing masks in public spaces and on public transport.
-Frequent handwashing with soap or using alcohol-based sanitizers.
-Maintaining proper ventilation in indoor areas.
-Receiving annual flu vaccinations at local healthcare facilities.
 
Despite these efforts, experts predict that the outbreak will peak in January, with weekly cases potentially exceeding 1 million. Historical data from similar outbreaks suggest that the total case count for the season could surpass 12 million, making it one of the most severe in recent memory.
 
Conclusion
Japan’s ongoing influenza outbreak is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by seasonal illnesses, particularly in the aftermath of a global pandemic. With schools closed, healthcare systems overwhelmed, and essential medicines in short supply, the crisis highlights the need for robust preventive measures and coordinated responses.
 
As the nation braces for the peak of flu season, the importance of collective action cannot be overstated. From individuals practicing good hygiene to government agencies ensuring equitable access to resources, every effort counts in mitigating the outbreak’s impact.
 
For the latest Flu and COVID-19 news, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
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