Health Flu cases in Japan reach warning level at fastest pace in 10 years

[thomas]

Today, the Japanese government said the average number of influenza patients at thousands of designated medical institutions nationwide had hit warning levels at their fastest pace in 10 years. Across roughly 5,000 institutions, 166,690 patients had been reported in the week through 10 December, averaging 33.72 people per facility and surpassing the warning level of 30.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that the number of patients nationwide totaled around 1,118,000 during the same period. The rapid spread reflects lowered influenza immunity after cases had dropped in recent years amid anti-infection measures implemented against the coronavirus pandemic. Health experts say that fewer people have immunity against influenza since restrictions over the COVID-19 were lifted earlier this year, and that the influenza virus is spreading about a month earlier than normal. Coronavirus cases have also been increasing for the third consecutive week, authorities said. Experts have called for caution amid fears both viruses could spread further as year-end and New Year's social gatherings take place in Japan. School-wide and class-specific closures have taken place at 6,382 educational facilities nationwide in the week through Sunday, the ministry said.

Japan's flu cases surge to warning level at fastest pace in 10 years

The Japanese government says the average number of influenza patients at thousands of designated medical institutions nationwide had hit warning levels at their fastest pace in 10 years.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[johnnyG]

I got the shot, and while the article does talk about lowered immunity, it does not mention how well this year's flu vaccination suits the prevalent strain. Like is it spot on, only mildly effective, or a complete miss?