What are the most common Influenza B symptoms this season?

The most reported Influenza B symptoms are sudden fever around 38°C or higher, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches, and strong fatigue. Children can have nausea or diarrhea. Symptoms start quickly and can last several days. Seek clinic advice sooner for infants, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with chronic conditions.

How are school closures decided during an influenza B warning in Japan?

Local education boards review clinic reports and school absentee data, then implement short, targeted class or grade closures to curb spread. Decisions aim to protect teaching capacity and reduce clusters while keeping most classes open. Notices go out through school portals and city websites, often with guidance on return timing and mask use.

Does Influenza B differ from A in daily impact?

Both can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. Influenza B sometimes skews toward school‑age clusters, which can disrupt classes and family schedules. The daily impact depends on fever duration and fatigue. Regardless of type, early rest, fluids, and timely clinic advice for high‑risk groups help reduce complications.

How should small businesses prepare for absenteeism during influenza waves?

Cross‑train key tasks, build a list of on‑call staff, and set clear rules for sick leave and return notes. Stagger shifts to reduce overlap, stock masks and sanitizers at entrances, and enable remote tasks where possible. Update customers about any schedule changes to protect sales during short‑term staffing gaps.

Law and Government

Japan Influenza B Surge February 12: Alerts, School Closures Lift Health Demand

ByDanny Kontos February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Influenza B symptoms are back in focus across Japan as February brings a fresh surge. Osaka has moved above the alert threshold again, Toyama reports 81% of detections are B type, and Nagoya logged season‑high class closures with youth cases dominant. These signals point to tighter public health guidance and a practical influenza B warning for families and employers. For investors, such waves often lift near‑term demand for OTC flu remedies, masks, and clinic visits, while higher absenteeism pressures service staffing. We explain what matters now for influenza B Japan and how to respond.