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  Preparing Yourself Against New-Type Influenza

－What is New-Type Influenza?－

The “New Type Influenza” which is currently prevalent around the world is different from the influenza that one catches every year during the winter months. It is an unknown virus against which people have almost no immunity. As a result it is highly contagious and at present many people have been infected. In the past, the Spanish Flu and the Asian Flu were “New Type Influenzas” of their time, and they had become widespread contagions (pandemics).

 

-What kind of outbreak symptoms are associated with New-Type Influenza?-

　The main symptoms of New-Type Influenza are a fever above 38 ℃ and respiratory system problems such as coughing. Some have reported to have suffered from a runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, and joint pain, but the outbreak symptoms may differ from person to person.

 

－Prevent infection by washing hands, gargling, and staying informed－

　Similar to the seasonal flu, one can reduce the risk of getting infected by the New-Type Influenza by washing hands and gargling thoroughly. An additional method of prevention is to pay attention to the announcements made by the nation, prefecture, and municipalities in order to receive correct information and act accordingly.

 

New-Type Influenza Vaccinations are now Being Administered

New-Type Influenza vaccinations are now being administered at medical institutions. The vaccination will be administered according to the following order of precedence. Please understand that those who are not included in this list will have to receive the vaccination after those who hold priority.

 

　＜Order of Precedence＞　　

1　Health Care Providers: Physicians and nurses who directly examine and treat influenza patients

2　Pregnant Women

3　Individuals with a chronic disease（underlying disease）※１

4　Infant（One year of age ~ lower elementary school grades）※２

5　The guardians of infants less than one year of age ※２

6　Higher elementary school grades ～ high school students or those of a corresponding age、and senior citizens（65 years of age and over）

 

　※1　Examples of Chronic Diseases (Underlying Diseases）

○ Chronic Respiratory Illness: Individuals with risk of bronchial asthma, CODP (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and aspiration of respiratory tract secretion

○ Chronic Heart Disease: Individuals with hemodynamic disorders, not including

hypertension

○ Chronic Renal Disease:　Individuals on dialysis, including those who have undergone a kidney transplant

○ Chronic Liver Disease: Patients who display fatigue, jaundice, or ascites due to cirrhosis of the liver（does not include chronic hepatitis）

○  Nerve Disease ・Neuromuscular Disease :　Conditions caused by immune disorders or diseases/conditions which produce a weakening of the body due to the impairment of respiration

○ Blood Disorders:　Excluding individuals with iron-deficiency anemia, individuals not receiving immunosuppressive treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and those with hemolytic anemia

○ Diabetes:　Infants and those who are pregnant or with complications. Those who are reliant on insulin or oral antidiabetics。

○ State of Immune Suppression:　Individuals who have a malignant tumor, rheumatoid arthritis, collagen disease, endocrine disease, digestive disorder, are infected with HIV, etv...

○ Chronic Diseases within the Field of Pediatrics:　including disabled children or other individuals with chromosomal abnormality, and serious mental/physical disorders.

 

　※2    Infants younger than one year of age are not given priority status for the vaccination because even if they receive the vaccination they would have a low antibody response. Therefore, in order to lower the risk of infection of infants younger than one year of age, their guardians are given vaccination priority. At the moment, vaccination preference is given to health care providers and those who are at risk of death or severe disease

 

 Vaccine Q&A

Ｑ１　How much does the vaccine cost？

Ａ１　One vaccination costs 3,600円, two vaccinations cost 6,150円

 

Ｑ２　If I get vaccinated, will that prevent me from getting infected with the New-Type Influenza?

Ａ２　The vaccine does not provide a 100% guarantee against the prevention of infection, but has been deemed effective at preventing serious illness and death.

 

Ｑ３　Can anybody receive the vaccination？

Ａ３　Anybody can receive the vaccination, but because the vaccine is made from egg, those with allergies should directly consult with a doctor.　

 

Ｑ４　Where can I receive the vaccination？

Ａ４　Basically speaking, you should be able to receive it from your regular physician, but it is advisable to confirm with them first.

 

Furthermore, lists of medical institutions that offer the vaccination are published on the prefectural and municipal homepages 

 

Word File of this Information: Preparing Yourself Against New-Type Influenza（WORD：42KB）

　　

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