Japan Faces Deadly Flu Outbreak Reviving Coronavirus Memories As Lockdown Looms Over Major Cities

International News : An unprecedented surge in influenza cases in Japan has created a major health crisis. The rapidly spreading flu has overwhelmed hospitals and forced the closure of schools. This year, the flu has arrived five weeks earlier than last year, straining healthcare services. Consequently, the Japanese government has formally declared a nationwide flu epidemic and taken steps to reduce crowds in public places.

Professor Yoko Tsukamoto of the Hokkaido University of Health Sciences said that this year's flu season has begun very early. Its early arrival and rapid spread indicate that the influenza virus is adapting at an unprecedented pace. This trend is not limited to Japan. Therefore, locals and visitors have been urged to increase their vigilance.

More than 4,000 were recruited

Japanese health officials reported that more than 4,000 people were hospitalized with the flu, a fourfold increase from a week earlier. Schools and childcare centers have been temporarily closed to prevent further spread of the virus. Medical professionals believe this year's flu season is particularly severe, and measures such as lockdowns may be necessary in the future. Professor Yoko Tsukamoto has warned that flu seasons may become more unpredictable in the coming years. She urged vaccination, handwashing, and other precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Meanwhile, major hospitals in cities like Kagoshima, Okinawa, and Tokyo are facing shortages of beds and staff. The growing overcrowding in hospitals is causing public anxiety.

No lockdown orders at the moment

According to Japanese government data, the nationwide average of 1.04 patients per medical clinic this year has exceeded epidemic levels. In Yamagata Prefecture, an entire elementary school had to be closed after 22 out of 36 students developed flu-like symptoms. This shows how severely affected some schools have been. Authorities have not yet imposed large-scale lockdowns or mandatory orders. Officials have advised employers to adopt work-from-home arrangements and schools to maintain flexible arrangements. The government is currently monitoring the situation. Children, the elderly, and the sick are especially being urged to take precautions.