- The following is content from the press release -
The number of people infected with influenza is on the rise nationwide. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Kodai Tabita; hereinafter "Northstar") has published an article supervised by a physician on how to prevent influenza infection at home on its website "Kids Doctor Magazine," which was released last year. We would like to introduce a part of the article as knowledge we would like you to know, especially for households raising children.
[Supervising physician: Dr. Kensuke Murata
Influenza trends for the 2022/2023 season
According to the influenza outbreak report* by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the influenza season has already entered in the 51st week of 2022 (December 19-25, 2022), and in the 3rd week of 2023 (January 16 to 22, 2023), the number of influenza cases per week per medical institution was 9.59 nationwide. According to the survey conducted during the third week of 2023 (January 16 to 22, 2023), the number of influenza cases per medical institution per week was 9.59 cases nationwide, approaching the "alert level" of 10 cases that may cause a major epidemic in the future.
*MHLW press release on influenza (https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/kekkaku-kansenshou01/houdou_00010.html)
This timing also coincides with the start of the eighth wave of novel coronavirus infections, which means that novel coronavirus infections and influenza have been prevalent simultaneously since December of the 2022/2023 season.
Since the peak of influenza season is usually from January to February, it is important to continue to take even more precautions against infection.
How to Prevent Influenza from Spreading at Home
- Wear a mask and wash hands thoroughly.
When there is an infected person in the home, both infected and uninfected persons should wear masks and wash their hands more thoroughly than usual, even indoors. Basic infection control measures are most important. - Separate living spaces for infected and uninfected people.
If there is more than one room, have the infected person live in isolation for a period of time. It is best to avoid entering the kitchen or living room as much as possible, but avoid talking in close proximity and make sure to wear a mask.
Areas where living space cannot be divided, such as bathrooms, should be used by the last infected person, and cleaned and disinfected promptly after use. Remember to wear a mask when cleaning.
- Separate towels and dishes
Do not share towels, dishes, or clothing. Wash them with detergent immediately after use. Using disposable dishes and wet wipes is also an option. - rub down with alcohol
Disinfect rooms frequently with alcohol disinfectant containing ethanol. Be especially meticulous in areas that must be shared, such as bathrooms and toilets. Disinfect hands and children's toys regularly as well. - Provide humidification and ventilation
Since influenza viruses are more active in dry environments, rooms should be moderately humidified. In addition to using a humidifier, simply hanging wet towels inside the room can be effective. Also, even in winter, open windows frequently and ventilate the room.
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Within Kids Doctor Magazine, we also distribute other information of interest to child-rearing families, such as how to care for children when a parent is infected with the flu and what to eat when a child has the flu.
About Kids Doctor Magazine.
It delivers a variety of articles in the fields of child-rearing x medicine and health, such as measures against infectious diseases of children and methods of home care and nursing care. This web magazine was born from "Kids Doctor," a service that provides health consultations and online medical care from the comfort of your home.
(in Japanese history)https://kids-doctor.jp/magazine)
About Kids Doctor.
Kids Doctor was created to provide moms and dads who are worried about their children's health with "peace of mind that they can easily consult with doctors and nurses.
The service includes "chat health consultation" by nurses during weekday evenings and holidays when hospitals are not open, "online medical care" where you can see a doctor on your smartphone, and "house calls" where a doctor can come to your home.
▼Chat Health Consultation
Based on the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare guidelines, the nursing team will provide general medical information and recommendations for medical consultation without medical judgment during hours when hospitals are not open. If it is determined that an after-hours visit to a hospital is necessary, the team will not only provide information on conventional emergency hospitals, but will also provide information on online medical services, nighttime home visit services, nearby emergency hospitals, and cab dispatch to emergency hospitals.
▼Online medical care / Nighttime house call appointments
Online medical services that allow patients to talk to a doctor when their family clinic is not open, or house calls to the patient's home, can be reserved through a smartphone. These medical services are provided by doctors from affiliated medical institutions, so you can use them with peace of mind (health insurance and subsidies for children are also available).
Click here to download the application.https://kids-doctor.jp/)
Kids Doctor Introduction Video
Outline of Northstar Co.
Company name : Northstar Inc.
Location: 8F Greems Nihonbashi, 4-7 Hisamatsucho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Kota Kodai
Establishment : January 28, 2021
■Business : Providing medical and healthcare-related services via the Internet
■URL :https://nstr.co.jp/
