EduCareer StaffBlog"Rinjin Blog" | "EduCareer"Supporting your career in English teaching in the Japanese school system

Influenza

2011/02/08

It's flu season in Japan! You may notice large sections of your classes missing, or whole grades even being canceled since so many students are missing class. Even if your school isn't hit by an outbreak, the trains and buses in Japan are also an easy way to get sick. Here are some tips for staying healthy.

1) Flu Shot. Flu shots are available in Japan, though not in all areas. Some clinics may have the mist vaccine instead. They are usually fairly inexpensive, though in some cases the vaccine can give you symptoms of the flu and thus people who don't think their school is at risk might avoid it.

2) Common sense. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer you can carry with you. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.

Many Japanese people would add "masks" to this list. Masks do prevent some transmission- but only in the case that the mask is properly fitting, with no gaps, something most Japanese masks aren't. They also only prevent airborne transmission, and won't stop you from touching germ-covered surfaces. While using masks to keep yourself safe can help, especially on public transport, otherwise frequent hand washing more effective.

If you think you have the flu, make sure you go to the doctor and get checked. It can be hard to tell the difference between the flu and just a bad cold, so the doctor can let you know which it is and how long it will take to recover.

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