Japan’s Nationwide Influenza Epidemic Worsens as More Than 6000 Are Hospitalized
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 11, 2025 11 hours, 10 minutes ago
Medical News: Early Flu Surge Triggers Nationwide Health Emergency
Japan that declared a nationwide influenza epidemic a week ago due to a shocking and early surge in flu cases swept across the country is witnessing conditions worsening. The outbreak which arrived five weeks ahead of the usual flu season, has overwhelmed hospitals, forced schools to shut down, and raised serious concerns among health authorities.
Japan’s Nationwide Influenza Epidemic Worsens as More Than 6000 Are Hospitalized
According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare latest update released on the 10
th of October 2025 (refer to below the article), over 6,000 people have been hospitalized with influenza since late September 2025, an exponential increase compared to the previous week. This
Medical News report reveals that the national infection rate has surpassed the epidemic threshold, with an average of 1.56 patients per medical institution. Health experts warn that this early and aggressive outbreak could indicate changes in how influenza viruses are evolving and spreading.
Researchers Warn of a Rapidly Changing Virus
Experts from the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases have confirmed that Japan is experiencing one of its earliest influenza seasons in more than two decades. Professor Yoko Tsukamoto from the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido noted that global travel and environmental shifts may be accelerating viral evolution. “The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment, this might become a more common scenario,” she said.
Scientists from the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Medical Science also warned that mutations detected in recent samples may enable the virus to resist conventional antiviral drugs. They stressed that international cooperation is essential to track these changes and prevent further global spread.
What is more concerning is that many are infected with flu this time round are experiencing more severe symptoms and are taking a longer time to recuperate coupled with the fact that many are experiencing long-lasting health issues.
To date, despite genomic sequencing conducted on identifying the flu strains in circulation, the Japanese health authorities refuse to released detailed data as to what exact flu strains are in circulation and are causing the current epidemic.
Some Japanese doctors attribute past COVID-19 infections and the COVID-19 vaccines to causing a dysfunctional immune system that results in a more severe conditions when individuals are exposed to the flu virus or other opportunistic pathogens.
Hospitals and Schools Under Pressure
Hospitals in major cities such as Tokyo, Okinawa, and Kagoshima are now struggling to handle the surge in patients. Medical wards are overcrowded, staff shortages are worsening, and many
facilities are advising non-emergency patients to stay home. The situation has drawn comparisons to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with similar scenes of full waiting rooms and stretched healthcare workers.
At least 135 schools and childcare centers have temporarily closed to curb transmission. In Yamagata Prefecture, a primary school had to shut down entirely after 22 of its 36 pupils showed influenza-like symptoms. With the virus spreading fast through both rural and urban areas, experts believe the true number of infections could be far higher than officially reported.
Authorities Urge Immediate Vaccinations
The Ministry of Health is urging citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic diseases, to get vaccinated without delay. Tsukamoto emphasized that prevention remains the best defense. “People need to take common-sense precautions, get vaccinated, wash hands regularly, and avoid spreading infection,” she said.
Tourism experts are also calling for vigilance among travelers. Ashley Harvey, a Tokyo-based travel marketing analyst, advised tourists to follow hygiene protocols such as handwashing, mask-wearing, and avoiding crowded indoor spaces during their visit.
A Global Warning Sign for the Future
Researchers warn that Japan’s unusually early epidemic may foreshadow a global trend of unpredictable flu patterns. Increased human mobility, post-pandemic immunity gaps, and climate-related changes could all be influencing the timing and intensity of seasonal outbreaks worldwide.
With more than 6,000 people hospitalized and the flu season just beginning, health officials are preparing for what could become Japan’s most severe influenza wave in years. The event underscores the importance of proactive vaccination, early detection, and continued public cooperation to prevent further escalation.
References:
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/kekkaku-kansenshou01/houdou_00023.html
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/001576812.pdf
For the latest on Influenza, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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