Influenza cases surge in Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures

Influenza cases are rising rapidly in Japan's Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures following the Silver Week holidays. In Ishikawa, authorities issued the season's first influenza advisory, marking the earliest issuance since records began in 1999. Reported cases in the prefecture doubled in a single week, exceeding the advisory threshold.

In Toyama, infection levels in Takaoka and Toyama cities have reached advisory levels, leading to multiple school closures. Amid this early surge, medical facilities such as Saiseikai Takaoka Hospital are seeing increased interest in 'FluMist,' a nasal spray vaccine.

Unlike traditional injectable vaccines that require two doses and take six to eight weeks to provide full immunity, the nasal spray is administered in a single dose and can show effectiveness in approximately two weeks. While more expensive than the injection, the spray is noted for its faster onset of protection and longer duration of efficacy, which medical professionals suggest is beneficial during early-season outbreaks.