9.5 million Japanese people "stick" to the flu: Vietnam at risk of an outbreak?

On February 5, 2025, Vietnam's Ministry of Health warned of a strong seasonal influenza outbreak in Japan and many other countries, and provided the necessary information for people to actively prevent the epidemic during this year's flu season.

According to the latest information from Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases, from September 2, 2024 to January 26, 2025, the country recorded about 9.5 million cases of seasonal influenza, an alarming number. In particular, in the last week of 2024 (from December 23 to 29), the number of new infections reached more than 317,000 cases, the highest level in the past 25 years.

Densely populated, densely populated areas and popular tourist destinations such as Tokyo, Hokkaido, Osaka and Fukuoka are the hardest hit. According to health experts, the seasonal flu epidemic in Japan is mainly caused by the influenza A virus. However, it is worrying that the risk of influenza B outbreaks is still present, especially when respiratory disease pathogens spread strongly in winter.

Not only Japan, the outbreak of seasonal influenza is also increasing in many other countries around the globe. According to the WHO, by the end of 2024, acute respiratory infections, especially seasonal influenza, have increased in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere. This increase is largely due to the emergence of viruses such as seasonal influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses such as hMPV, mycoplasma pneumoniae.

The situation of seasonal influenza epidemics in countries in Europe, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, West Africa and East Africa is becoming complicated. These countries have recorded the emergence of all influenza virus subgroups, but influenza A and influenza B are still the main strains that cause the disease. In these areas, the situation of influenza epidemics often worsens in winter, when climatic conditions are favorable for the virus to develop.

In the face of the complicated situation of the seasonal influenza epidemic in Japan and other countries, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam has quickly issued recommendations to people to prevent the epidemic. Accordingly, the Ministry of Health emphasizes that seasonal influenza is a respiratory disease, mainly spread when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or is in close contact with a healthy person. Therefore, the application of preventive measures is extremely important at this time.

According to medical experts, some subjects are at high risk of seasonal influenza and are prone to serious complications if not treated promptly. For people in high-risk groups, seasonal flu vaccination is essential. In addition, when there are symptoms such as cough, fever, fatigue, people should see a doctor immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment.

In the face of the complicated development of the seasonal influenza epidemic in Japan and many other countries, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam has affirmed that it will continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation at home and abroad, and implement appropriate preventive measures. The Ministry also asked relevant localities and units to strengthen surveillance and timely notification of the epidemic situation and organize propaganda campaigns to raise awareness of disease prevention and control for people.

"We should not be confused and worried excessively, but we also cannot be subjectively negligent. Seasonal influenza is a disease that spreads rapidly, especially in winter, when climatic conditions are very favorable for the development of the virus," the Ministry of Health emphasized.

In addition to personal preventive measures, the Ministry of Health also recommends that the community needs to maintain a calm attitude, proactively prevent diseases and protect the health of themselves and the community.

The seasonal influenza epidemic is increasing sharply in Japan and many other countries, with the main variants being influenza A and influenza B. Vietnam's Ministry of Health has issued important recommendations on seasonal influenza vaccination, personal hygiene, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent the disease. Closely monitoring the epidemic situation and taking proper precautions will help minimize the risk of spread and protect public health during this flu season.

Seasonal flu 'outbreak' in Ho Chi Minh City: Nearly 3,000 people infected, urgent warning for the whole city? Nguyễn Khanh21:42:06 10/02/2025Ho Chi Minh City warns of seasonal flu with nearly 2,900 cases in 2024. The Department of Health requires people to wear masks at medical facilities and comply with preventive measures. Seasonal flu is also on the rise in many countries, especially in Japan.