Please Be Careful of Influenza!

It is normal in Japan for influenza (the flu) to spread throughout the fall and winter. Influenza is especially rampant from December to March when weather conditions tend to be cold and dry and people are traveling for the holidays. The number of infections fluctuates year to year, but there is a tendency for the flu and other contagions to spread throughout schools, workplaces, and other communities where people spend a lot of time together. 

Influenza is an illness which is spread when people breathe in tiny airborne droplets emitted from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It is important to practice basic measures such as wearing a mask, washing one’s hands, and ventilating the air in a room in order to prevent the spread of infection. In addition, immunization is effective at reducing one’s chances of getting sick and preventing severe symptoms. 

Influenza antiviral medicine is used to treat infections by inhibiting the growth of the virus and promoting symptom relief and recovery. It is very important to visit a doctor as soon as possible and to rest when infected with the flu. Remember to practice good cough etiquette in order to reduce the spread to other people.  

Please take care of yourselves to not catch influenza this season!