Seasonal influenza in Japan

The latest data from the National Institute of National Infectious Diseases announced on January 31 shows that the number of patients with seasonal flu in this country has reached the highest average since 1999, including these appearance. Complications are concerned about brain and lungs. The hospitals are overloaded, the source of health is scarce and the number of deaths increases. The death of Taiwanese actress from Hy Vien due to flu complications at the age of 49 shows the severity of the virus.

Dr. Matsuyama Masaharu, Chairman of the Okayama Provincial Health Association, said the hospitals were facing “a crisis” when it was hard to accept all the flu patients. Large pharmaceutical companies have announced the suspension of Oseltamivir antiviral drugs, accounting for about 25% of Japan’s total supply against the flu.

“We currently cannot keep up with production and are having difficulty in providing products,” said a company representative.

When the public health system is stressful to the attack of the virus, many worrying reports continue to appear. At least 7 children across Tokyo and Shizuoka died from the complications of influenza. This is a rare encephalitis but serious consequences, which can cause consciousness and seizures leading to death. A parent in Shizuoka helplessly witnessed the situation of her child deteriorating quickly, from initial symptoms to death within 24 hours.

“The suddenly increased the flu, along with the tragic death of Xu Hy Vien in such a young age, go against all the mistakes before, that the flu is just a mild disease,” Dr. Leung Chi-chiu, expert respiratory disease in Hong Kong, warned. She added that Xu Hy Vien had previously suffered a disease that caused immunodeficiency, causing the flu worse faster.

After two years of the transmission of the flu slowly due to strict measures to prevent Covid-19, experts say the Japanese resistance to emerging viruses has decreased. The medical world hypothesized, the lack of immunity has created a “perfect hole” for the current crisis. When international tourism returns to normal, it is recommended to wear a loosening mask, favorable conditions that allow the flu to get out of terrifying outbreaks.

“Clear warning signs for months, but the influenza is underestimated. We cannot be complacent anymore. Japan may be the opening gun for epidemics worldwide, originating from strains of strains The virus is simple, but it is likely to be mutant, “Dr. Leung was concerned. Hong Kong experts warn that people should ignore the temptations for shopping, food and cheap tourism of Japan.

Countries such as France and Britain are also struggling to deal with the number of influenza flu. Officials have strengthened and promoted immunization and prevention campaigns, which were delayed for a while. Experts call for closely monitoring and sharing transparent data among countries, continuous investment in public health.

The disease caused by the influenza virus (Influenza Virus) belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family, with two common groups including A (accounting for about 75% of the disease) and B (accounting for about 25%).

Usually, the flu is slightly and recovers within 2-7 days. However, the disease may complicate and cause death in a high risk group such as people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, people with background disease.