How a deadly flu outbreak is making Japan sick

Japan has officially declared a nationwide influenza epidemic after an unusually early and rapid spike in cases, weeks before the typical flu season. The sudden surge has alarmed both residents and medical experts, reigniting fears of another widespread health crisis.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the outbreak has already forced dozens of schools to shut down and left hospitals overwhelmed with patients. Many wards are running beyond capacity, stirring uneasy memories of the pandemic years.

So, what’s behind Japan’s unexpected flu surge this year? And how is the country trying to manage the crisis? Here’s a closer look.

Flu epidemic in Japan

Japanese health authorities have confirmed that influenza cases have surpassed the epidemic threshold, averaging 1.04 patients per medical facility, according to local media reports.

What’s unusual this year is the timing. Japan normally experiences its flu season from late November or December, but the outbreak has arrived almost five weeks early, catching both citizens and officials by surprise.

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By October 3, over 4,000 people had been hospitalised with influenza, a fourfold jump compared to the previous week, the Health Ministry reported.

Hospitals across the country are struggling with overcrowding reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic, with packed waiting rooms and staff shortages adding pressure. Authorities are advising people to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and to consult doctors promptly if flu symptoms appear.

So far, 28 of Japan’s 47 prefectures have reported rising cases. In Tokyo, Okinawa, and Kagoshima, at least 135 schools and childcare centres have temporarily closed to prevent further spread.

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With flu cases expected to peak earlier than usual, health officials are urging vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and people with underlying health conditions, to get vaccinated without delay.

“For most healthy individuals, the flu may be unpleasant but not dangerous. But for vulnerable groups, early vaccination is crucial,” Professor Yoko Tsukamoto of the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido was quoted as saying.

Also read: Japan to lower COVID-19 to flu status, further easing rules

Why this flu outbreak is worrying

Experts say Japan’s unusually early flu season reflects how the influenza virus is adjusting to new conditions in a post-pandemic world.

“The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment, this might become a more common scenario,” Tsukamoto told SCMP.

She added that the virus seems to be developing resistance to standard treatments. “We are seeing this resistance in Japan, but it is also being reported in other parts of the world,” she noted.

Authorities are urging both residents and tourists to get vaccinated early and follow basic hygiene measures. Tsukamoto emphasised that while flu is rarely dangerous for healthy adults, young children, older people, and those with underlying health issues need to be especially careful.

Travel analyst Ashley Harvey, who has lived in Japan for over 15 years, told SCMP that travellers should take precautions such as frequent handwashing, keeping spaces ventilated, and wearing masks when necessary.

“People need to take common-sense precautions, get vaccinated, wash hands regularly, and avoid spreading infection,” he added.

Tsukamoto warned that global travel and population movement may be helping the virus adapt more quickly to new environments. Japan’s early outbreak, she said, mirrors trends emerging elsewhere, suggesting that influenza strains could be evolving to spread faster or resist standard treatments.

With input from agencies