Number of flu patients increasing earlier than usual

Wednesday 03rd December, 07:18 AM JST

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johnshiomi at 09:20 AM JST - 3rd December

People need to stop blaming their "the flu" and start taking responsibility for their lifestyles. There are some people who never get sick during "the flu season" because they get plenty of rest, eat healthy and in moderation, and manage their stress levels. People not in control of these things hugely lower their nerve energy and their immune system and become vulnerable to disease. When we blame our problems on something out there we fail to do change our lifestyles - thinking "shoganai". People need to stop depending on medicines for the little colds and sniffles. Our bodies have millions of years of medicine in our bodies developed from millions of years of evolution. Our bodies are constantly trying to help us. Our "illnesses" are the cure in fact. We have fevers, throw up, etc because are bodies are trying to reject the toxins we have put in our bodies.
Richard_the_First at 09:54 AM JST - 3rd December

A must is to a get the flu vaccine every season. Colds are a different matter and yes, people are wasting their time going to the doctor. He can't do anything for you so stay in bed, and don't request antibiotics as the are useless in curing your symptoms.

The gurgling comment makes me laugh as it's true. Those who gurgle are always sick it seems. My mother in law, sister in law and niece all wears masks in during the winter months, with a cold or not. They look silly out and about. Washing your hands is most important I would suggest, and keeping them away from your nose, mouth and eyes if you haven't had a chance when out is common sense. Keeps your hands clean and the viruses you may pick up from trains or door handles, won't have such any easy time of it.
Cortasaurus at 10:23 AM JST - 3rd December

Why do Japanese people go to hospital when they have a cold or flu?

I agree! This is really strange to me too.. I haven't gotten a flu shot in.. idk how long (it's honestly been since we were required to as children for school) I've never been to the hospital when I've gotten a cold or flu, or haven't taken meds (because.. they gross me out.) And now my immune system is epic. I don't understand why they have to go to the hospital to treat their little colds/flu. Some people need to tough it out. I agree with smithinjapan they don't seem to mind helping people with the common flu, but when it comes to helping women deliver/treat infants, they'll be damned to let them into their hospitals. Its pathetic really.
Altria at 10:55 AM JST - 3rd December

I blame the flu shot. And people run themselves down so hard here their immune systems don't stand a chance.

Gargling can help - the morning trains in Tokyo are particularly nasty at this time of year. It's a chorus of coughing and sniffling, and you've just got to breathe it all in for the duration. My throat used to keep getting banged up in winter until I started giving it a good wash out.
some14some at 12:52 PM JST - 3rd December

Pharmaceutical companies want to cash in on financial/economic meltdown flu, Otherwise there is nothing so alarming here.
romulus3 at 01:40 PM JST - 3rd December

smithys right. People should tough it out and they will be stronger for it next time. hot water and lemon are better than taking speed laced meds. I get sick once every 2 or 3 years if I drop my guard. Its hard for me to catch a cold or flu because I never had any inoculations as a kid. I toughed out chicken pocs, mumps, measles, whooping cough etc. I am sure a lot of posters here in their 30s onwards had the same experience and better for it too.
kirakira25 at 01:56 PM JST - 3rd December

Can someone explain for me the medical reason behind the gargling thing? Ive never been able to figure it out because I just cant believe plain water removes viruses from the throat? I have arguments with MIL all the time about this because she insists on my (1 year old!) son gargling and he nearly chokes every time! Its traumatising him, but I dont have the medical argument to put back at her not to do it!

My friend told me it`s not about stopping flu, just hydrating the throat because Japanese winters are so dry, and that a wet throat makes it harder for viruses to flourish - is that true?
cleo at 02:07 PM JST - 3rd December

Japanese winters are so dry, and that a wet throat makes it harder for viruses to flourish - is that true?

From experience, I'd say Yes. I have significantly fewer sore throats since investing in a humidifier.
mael at 03:54 PM JST - 3rd December

The flu vaccine is poison. It doesn't work, and weakens the immune system so one becomes even more prone to disease.

virus, bacteria and fungi do not make us ill. A weakened immunse sytsem does.

No one in my family takes any of the prescribed vaccines. Though there is a risk one of us can become 'vaccinated' through contact with others which have. We have decided after careful thought that 'vaccines' do not work and are dangerous. ie- the risks of taking the vaccine are not worth it.

Vaccines are plied on the people in ever increasing doses and earlier and earlier in our lives. I believe half or more of the children today have chronic debilitating ailments borne through nothing other than the vaccines.

And add to this the ineptness of doctors when it comes to being aware of the risks of vaccines, and their generaly lack of ability to explain what these 'shots' do and what is in them makes it impossible (for me) to contemplate trusting the so-called 'vaccinations.'

Furthermore I believe the vaccinations are harmful by design. This is not to say that the doctors (who are schooled c/o the pharmaceutical industry) are deliberately administering poisons to the patients. the problem is ignorance and basically the doctors simply for the most part do not know the dangers of vaccines. I don't know of a school nurse who gets their kids vaccinated, and they should know more than others what the effects of these alleged immunisations are.

Flu vaccines are not only unnecessary. They are harmful. Avoid all 'vaccinations' and stay healthy by maintaining a robust immune system.
leitmotiv at 04:33 PM JST - 3rd December

Vaccines are the most cost effective method for controlling infectious disease. There is some misinformation about their use on this board, culminating with a rabidly idiotic comment from mael implying that vaccines are designed to be ineffective and poisonous, presumably for the benefit of evil pharma company conspiracies or some such, and that we should avoid diseases by simply "maintaining" a healthy immune system. This is idiocy. Next mael will tell you about black helicopters I suppose. Where do you think the cases of rubella, chickenpox, pertussis, polio, diptheria, etc etc that were so prevalent and deadly (to KIDS!) in the early 20th century went to? The infectious causative agents (bacteria and viruses) did not disappear of the face of the planet. They are kept under control by the use of vaccines - and generally in places where vaccines are not used, there is a corresponding rise of those diseases again. When I see people talking about such serious topics without knowing one iota WTF they are talking about it is truly upsetting. Please understand what vaccines are, what they do, and, if you dont, ask your doctor - he/she will be able to explain it easily (though mael would disagree). If you have a doctor who does not understand or cannot explain this very simple product in a way you feel comfortable, then get a new doctor immediately.

In terms of this (poorly written) article, influenza is a very serious issue in japan. The primary casualties of influenza in any society are elderly. Yes, individual;s who are younger may get influenza may be sick for a few days and not think about it. But not everyone - mael - can "keep their immune system robust". As you age, starting at about 40, you immune system generally starts a long slow degradation. When the general populations is sufficiently vaccinated, we see less deaths in elderly because transmission of influenza is suppressed. This is a fact, and it is a fact that has been demonstrated statistically by Japan's influenza policy in the 1980s - though for political reasons (and unwisely) it was discontinued. So, since Japan is a uniquely aging country (demographically) the threat of influenza and potential deadly impact among the elderly makes it that much more important for everyone to educate themselves. And of course to be skeptical when mael and others talk obvious nonsense.
leitmotiv at 05:13 PM JST - 3rd December

For smithinjapan, johnshiomi, romulus3, mael, and any of the other misinformed - keep in mind that your ideas about keeping the immune system fit as the best defense against influenza will not help much for the variants of influenza to which your body (and immune system) have never been exposed, namely the 'avian' influenzas. Cases of avian influenza crop up yearly around asia and may start to appear inside Japan. The death rate for avaian influenza cases is ~60%, and most of the people who have caught avian flu have been young (i.e., with robust immune systems).
Richard_the_First at 06:18 PM JST - 3rd December

Well said, leitmotiv. Suggesting that the flu vaccine is bad is plain wrong. Colds are one thing but the flu needs attention. I had it about four years ago and never again thank you very much, which is why I get a shot every Dec. On average I get about 2 colds a year, and I don't gargle and will never wear a mask. On the other hand my wife's family, who do gargle, take garlic and wear masks, get the same number or more. It's partly to do with the fact that I don't have kids, I suspect. Kids tend to be in close physical contact with others of the same age, and then bring it home for the family to share.
mael at 07:11 PM JST - 3rd December

Vaccines are the most cost effective method for controlling infectious disease.

No they aren't because they don't work. The basic premise of 'vaccines' is flawed. But there are many cases of people becoming ill with the ailment they have allegedly been vaccinated for.

There is some misinformation about their use on this board,

Yours.

culminating with a rabidly idiotic comment from mael implying that vaccines are designed to be ineffective and poisonous, presumably for the benefit of evil pharma company conspiracies or some such, and that we should avoid diseases by simply "maintaining" a healthy immune system.

Precisely. Well done.

This is idiocy. Next mael will tell you about black helicopters I suppose.*

What 'black helicopters?' Do tell... .

Where do you think the cases of rubella, chickenpox, pertussis, polio, diptheria, etc etc that were so prevalent and deadly (to KIDS!) in the early 20th century went to?

They were brought under control by higher standards of cleanliness for the most part.

The infectious causative agents (bacteria and viruses) did not disappear of the face of the planet.

And why should they?

They are kept under control by the use of vaccines - and generally in places where vaccines are not used, there is a corresponding rise of those diseases again.

No they aren't, and the areas where 'vaccinated' diseases are prevalent are areas where the standards of cleanliness are low, and/or the people's immune systems have been compromised. - Probably through excessive medication and lack of proper nutrition.

When I see people talking about such serious topics without knowing one iota WTF they are talking about it is truly upsetting.

Interesting"! And you are an expert? An expert on regurgitating government approved data on the efficacy of vaccines?

Please understand what vaccines are, what they do, and, if you dont, ask your doctor - he/she will be able to explain it easily (though mael would disagree).

Yes, I would. Most doctors can't even tell you what is in the vaccines, and do not know the correct procedures for administering them. It is ignorance. Actually it is criminal/professional negligence.

If you have a doctor who does not understand or cannot explain this very simple product in a way you feel comfortable, then get a new doctor immediately.

Good luck. Anyway I thought you believed all doctors know all about the vaccines they ply.

In terms of this (poorly written) article, influenza is a very serious issue in japan. The primary casualties of influenza in any society are elderly. Yes, individual;s who are younger may get influenza may be sick for a few days and not think about it. But not everyone - mael - can "keep their immune system robust".

Of course my comment was intended to mean:- ... keep your immune as robust as you are able. This naturally takes into consideration the effects of age and temporary and permanent physical systemic weakness.

As you age, starting at about 40, you immune system generally starts a long slow degradation. When the general populations is sufficiently vaccinated, we see less deaths in elderly because transmission of influenza is suppressed.

I see you are over 40? :D

Strange how they are dropping like the proverbial flies since getting loaded-up on alleged vaccines, isn't it?

This is a fact, and it is a fact that has been demonstrated statistically by Japan's influenza policy in the 1980s - though for political reasons (and unwisely) it was discontinued.

Conspiracy eh?

So, since Japan is a uniquely aging country (demographically) the threat of influenza and potential deadly impact among the elderly makes it that much more important for everyone to educate themselves.

Yes it does. Please do a search or three about the vaccines from doctors who have decided to speak out about the misery these toxic cocktails bring.

And of course to be skeptical when mael and others talk obvious nonsense.

By all means. I urge everyone to take a good look and hear both sides of the issue. However I am confident one will be shocked at the truth behind the 'vaccines.'
mael at 07:22 PM JST - 3rd December

For smithinjapan, johnshiomi, romulus3, mael, and any of the other misinformed -

Wow! You really do seem to have an axe to grind.

keep in mind that your ideas about keeping the immune system fit as the best defense against influenza will not help much for the variants of influenza to which your body (and immune system) have never been exposed, namely the 'avian' influenzas.

An effective immune system will keep you safe and well. You clearly have no idea how the immune system works.

Cases of avian influenza crop up yearly around asia and may start to appear inside Japan. The death rate for avaian influenza cases is ~60%, and most of the people who have caught avian flu have been young (i.e., with robust immune systems).

And I wonder why you equate being young with being in posession of a good immune system?

Ideally the young ought to be the toughest. But in these days where people do not eat properly and ruin their health' with allopathic meds it is the elderly who are the more robust. Very sad.

You are paranoid. People will be dying like birds if they take a vaccine against those curious strains which are dubbed 'avian influenza.'* I hope you take a double dose.
mael at 07:42 PM JST - 3rd December

Well said, leitmotiv. Suggesting that the flu vaccine is bad is plain wrong. Colds are one thing but the flu needs attention. I had it about four years ago and never again thank you very much, which is why I get a shot every Dec. On average I get about 2 colds a year, and I don't gargle and will never wear a mask. On the other hand my wife's family, who do gargle, take garlic and wear masks, get the same number or more. It's partly to do with the fact that I don't have kids, I suspect. Kids tend to be in close physical contact with others of the same age, and then bring it home for the family to share.

I would imagine not having kids around would explain at least some of your resistance to disease.

I have colds (I think) but I don't notice until the next day when I might think 'Oh! Did I have a cold?' The symptoms are soon gone.

And my kids get sick as well. But they don't usually take pharmaceutical meds for it. Fortunately my doc here doesn't trust the new breed of meds either and prescribes the minimum possible on the few occasions I seek his guidance.

Read up and wise up about 'vaccines.' Taking them is like Russian Roulette. One day you're gonna get lucky. (I hope you can make informed choices on which vacs and when).

I am not against people taking vaccines if they want them. I merely advocate people make informed decisions through having truthful information. Were I to be travelling to darkest Africa then I'd probably want to be vaccinated if I decided the risk of contracting some ghastly disease were high enough.

But here in Japan and elsewhere, at least in the case of polio, the only source of the disease is the vaccination itself!). And the case of polio is not unique.

Ask yourself why it is that more and more children have chronic conditions such as asthma? food allergies, skin problems, epileptic fits, bizzare behavioural problems? sudden deafness ... etc...? A generation ago maybe a couple or three people in a hundred would have any of those illnesses. Now it must be topping 50%.

It's the vaccines for the most part.

Autism? Have 'they' managed to keep the link between autism and 'vaccines' quiet still now? If so I am surprised.