Flu Cases Rise in Japan: Go or No Go?

Learn about the rise of influenza cases in Japan, its symptoms, prevention, and how to protect yourself and your family.

February 12, 2025
Reliable Cares, Reliable Resources, Society and Lifestyle

Japan has become one of the top vacation destinations for Filipinos. In 2024, more than 800,000 Filipinos visited the Land of the Rising Sun, making up 31.6% of the country’s visitors for that year, which is also a historic high.

But rising cases of Influenza in Japan, commonly known as the flu, may be a cause for concern for Filipinos thinking of traveling to the country soon.

Flu In Japan Highest Since 1999

Medical institutions across Japan reported an average of 64.39 patients per facility suffering from flu at the end of January 2025, topping the warning level of 30 cases in all but four of Japan’s Prefectures. This is considered the highest incidence since 1999.

The worst affected locale is Oita Prefecture in western Japan, with 104.84 cases, followed by prefectures in the Kyushu region. Among Japan’s metropolitan areas, Nagoya had 82.35 cases, Osaka reported 67.53, and Tokyo posted 56.62.

Experts say the infections may have peaked in some areas but warn of new cases due to different types of the virus spreading.

Identification, Symptoms, And Self-Care

Influenza often gets mistaken for the common cold, but the main difference is that colds start slowly while the flu comes within just two to three days of contact with the virus.

Common flu symptoms include:

Sore throat.
Runny nose.
Fever.
Cough.
Headache.
Muscle aches.
Feeling very tired.
Sweating and chills.

Most people infected with the flu get better on their own. Unless you are pregnant, very young, or have vulnerabilities to severe respiratory diseases, you or your affected family should recover with little need for medical attention.

The disease can be unpleasant, but here are some steps you can take to mitigate its effects:

Drink plenty of fluids, including water, warm soup and rehydration solutions.
Plenty of rest.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to help lower fever and help with muscle aches or headache.

Avoid giving aspirin to children or teens recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms due to a link with Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition triggered in those situations.

If symptoms persist or complications arise, don’t hesitate to consult with a medical professional.

Precautions Before Traveling

When planning a trip to Japan, it’s important to take precautions, especially during flu season. Here are some key steps to stay safe and healthy:

Influenza usually peaks within a given season, often coinciding with the coldest times of the year for a country. If you can postpone your travel plans to Japan to a later date when Influenza is less common, that might be best.
If you are unable to reschedule your travel to Japan outside of the peak flu season, it would be best to avoid areas of high incidence like Oita Prefecture or Nagoya. Wearing N95 and other medical masks in crowded areas could help mitigate exposure to the virus.
The Mayo Clinic recommends taking an annual flu shot. Vaccination lowers the chances of severe complications, especially for people at high risk.
The Philippine Embassy in Japan also recommends getting travel insurance to deal with any unforeseen medical emergencies.

Reliable Insurance Brokers offers a wide selection of travel insurance options suited for your needs and of your family. We are committed to your health and well-being and ensure you have access to quality healthcare when or where you need it.