Beware of Influenza (The Flu)

More and more people in Tokyo are getting the flu. This year, the number of people with the flu is going up earlier than last year.

The flu spreads when the virus passes from one person to another.
Please be careful not to get the flu.

Go to a hospital or clinic as soon as possible and get medicine.
Call the hospital or clinic before you go.
Check the times when you can visit.
Wear a mask when you go.
If you are pregnant or have another illness, contact your regular doctor.　
Try not to go out until two days after your fever goes down.
Most people get better in about one week, but older people and people with other illnesses may get worse.

The flu spreads through “droplet infection” and “contact infection.”

“Droplet infection” means getting infected by breathing in the virus from the coughs or sneezes of a person with the flu.

“Contact infection” means getting infected by touching your mouth or nose with hands that have the virus on them.

Wash your hands well and use disinfectant.
When you come home and before you eat, wash your hands well with soap and water for 30 seconds. Washing and disinfecting your hands reduces the virus on your hands.
Follow good cough etiquette.
When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a mask, handkerchief, or towel so the virus does not spread.
Get plenty of rest.
Getting enough rest is important to stay healthy every day.
Let fresh air into your room.
Open the windows to change the air in your room. This reduces the amount of the virus in the air.
It is good to open the windows for 5 to 10 minutes about twice an hour.
Try not to go to crowded places.
When the flu is spreading, avoid places where many people gather.
A flu vaccination makes it harder to get the flu.
The vaccine makes it harder for you to get the flu. Also, if you do get the flu, it helps stop you from getting very sick. Please make an appointment at a hospital or clinic to get vaccinated.

Choose one person to take care of the sick person.
When taking care of the sick person, wear a mask and gloves.
Throw away the mask and gloves right after use.
Wash your hands after taking off the mask and gloves.
Make a place where the sick person can rest.
To avoid spreading the flu to family and others, the sick person should rest in a room alone if possible.
The sick person should wear a mask. Change the mask once a day.
Do not share towels or cups between the sick person and other family members.
Disinfect places that people use often, like the sink where you wash your hands and the toilet.