Japan Flu Outbreak: Over 6,000 Hospitalised and Rising - But Do We Have the Right Vaccines Yet?

Japan’s flu outbreak worsens with 6,000+ hospitalised. Experts warn of vaccine mismatch and early spread. Learn how to stay safe and protected this season.

Japan is facing a huge flu outbreak that has surprised doctors and healthcare officials. Just a few weeks more than 6000 people were hospitalised, causing schools to shut and prompting people to be alert about their health across the country. The most concerning thing is that the viral season has arrived five weeks earlier than its usual time. Hospitals in cities like Okinawa, Osaka and Tokyo are recording a continuous rise in cases every day, healthcare professionals are warning. This could be one of Japan’s worst few seasons in over a decade. This situation raises a question among experts and people: Do we have the right vaccine yet to deal with the situation? Because the virus is spreading faster and more unexpected, and it is not just a concern for Japan, but also for countries across the globe.

Why Is Japan’s Flu Outbreak Getting Worse?

The situation is happening because this year’s seasonal flu has hit Japan earlier. Because of the situation, getting worse, hundreds of schools, kindergartens, and day cares across Japan have been closed temporarily. Doctors are concerned because the virus is spreading faster than usual, leading to it infecting more people easily.

And according to the health exports, people who have weak immune system after years of mask wearing due to COVID-19, the flu virus now find it easier to spread. That’s why the huge rise in Numbers has been seen with over 6000 people being hospitalised.

Is There a Vaccine Mismatch?

Every year flu vaccines are created on the basis of prediction that which part will be more affected, but if the virus mutates unexpectedly, the vaccines will not perfectly match, the circulation strain according to the reports from the health authorities in Japan, the vaccines are set to be less effectivewhich is the reason behind increasing cases of flu, but according to experts, vaccine is still very important, even a partially matched short can reduce hospitalisation and death rates.

What Are The Symptoms Of Flu Spreading In Japan?

According to doctors, if a person is experiencing these:

Fever accompanied by muscle ache
Persistent cough
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Dry cough and sore throat
Severe body and muscle pain
Sudden chills and headache

If you notice the symptoms for a longer period of time, specially in children, elder people and those with chronic illness, then consult your doctor as soon as possible.

How To Stay Safe From The Flu

Get vaccinated on time: even if the vaccine is not perfect, it can reduce the chances of illness and help you stop the spread across people.
Wear mask in crowded area: One of the most effective way to protect yourself is to wear a mask in public transports and schools.
Wash your hands and sanitise often: Washing hands properly. May stop the spread of virus through shared surfaces.
Rest And Seek Early Treatment: if you are having fever or feeling weak, then prefer to stay home and get yourself checked by the doctor. Anti-viral medicines work, best when started early.

Could This Spread Beyond Japan?

Health Health experts are keeping a close eye on Japan situation. People who are travelling international increasing their comes on about the outbreak could spread to nearby Asian countries like South Korea, China and India. Health agencies across the globe are working on the vaccine effectiveness and surveillance data to see if an updated booster may be needed.