20多年来“第二早” 日本进入流感季

Core Points - The flu season in Japan has begun, arriving approximately one month earlier than last year, marking the second earliest start since the current statistical method was implemented in 1999 [1] - Over 4,030 flu cases were reported by more than 3,000 medical institutions in Japan during the week ending September 28, with an average of over one case per institution [1] - Okinawa Prefecture reported the highest average number of flu patients per medical institution, while Tokyo and Kagoshima also showed an upward trend in flu cases [1] - The flu season in Japan typically lasts for several months, with the previous season starting in early November and peaking in late December, concluding in April [1] - The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has urged the public to take preventive measures such as handwashing and wearing masks, and recommended vaccination for vulnerable populations [1]