Japan’s influenza season usually runs from December to March, though summer outbreaks have become more common. National figures are updated every week by the Japan Institute for Health Security.
If you have symptoms
- A sudden high fever (38°C/100.4°F or higher), aching joints and muscles, exhaustion, cough, and sore throat appearing together are typical of influenza.
- Antiviral drugs work best within 48 hours of the first symptoms, so see a doctor early.
- Call the clinic before you go to ask whether staff speak your language, and wear a mask.
Where to go
- The usual place to go is an internal medicine clinic (naika), or a pediatric clinic for children. Most accept walk-ins; expect to wait 30–60 minutes.
- Use the hospital finder to filter clinics by language.
- At night or on holidays, go to the municipal after-hours clinic or a hospital emergency department. Call 119 for an ambulance if breathing is difficult, the person is confused, or they cannot keep fluids down.
Testing and treatment in Japan
- A nasal swab rapid test gives a result in about 15 minutes.
- If the test is positive, Japanese doctors prescribe antivirals much more readily than doctors in many other countries: oral oseltamivir (Tamiflu), single-dose baloxavir (Xofluza), or inhaled laninamivir (Inavir). Your doctor will choose which one.
- For fever and pain, acetaminophen is used. Aspirin and loxoprofen are not given to children with influenza in Japan.
What it costs
Without Japanese health insurance you pay the full amount. A clinic visit, rapid test and antiviral together usually come to ¥10,000–20,000. If you have travel insurance, ask for a receipt and a medical certificate.
What you can buy over the counter
- If you cannot see a doctor, plain acetaminophen (Tylenol A and similar) is the safest drugstore choice. Most Japanese cold remedies combine several ingredients, so ask the pharmacist.
- Antivirals are not sold over the counter.
Prevention
- Flu vaccination is available at internal medicine and pediatric clinics from October to December and usually costs about ¥3,000–5,000 out of pocket.
- Masks in crowds, hand washing and humidifying your room are the basics. Wearing a mask is normal in Japan and draws no attention in shops or on trains.