Flu cases growing in Niigata (and beyond)

If you're living in Niigata, you may have noticed more friends, coworkers, or students calling in sick recently. Local health officials have confirmed that influenza cases are climbing, with the latest weekly numbers showing an average of nearly 58 patients per medical institution. In total, more than 3,100 cases were reported across 55 clinics, which is a clear increase from the previous week.

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The spike has been most noticeable among children aged 5 to 14, who make up almost half of all infections. That's the age bracket that both of my kids fall into, but thankfully our household is illness free at the moment.

The NHK article I linked above mentioned that clinics in Niigata City are also seeing more patients in their 20s and 30s, and doctors say this season's flu often brings a high fever, sometimes 39 degrees Celsius or higher. Keep that in mind if you or someone in your household starts feeling unwell. 

As the New Year travel period approaches, local medical staff recommend getting the flu shot if you haven't done so yet. A good reminder with cases continuing to grow, not just in Niigata but across broader Japan.