Japan has formally announced a nationwide flu epidemic after a sudden and unusually premature spike in cases pushed health services to the brink and forced school shutdowns.

Health officials stated that as of October 3, 4,030 individuals had been admitted to hospitals for flu, about four times higher than a week prior. Therefore, a minimum of 135 schools and childcare centres have been closed temporarily as a measure to limit the further spread of the virus.

Medical professionals believe this year's flu season is extremely severe.

Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, warned that shifting demographics and international travel could be accelerating viral adaptation, potentially making flu seasons more unpredictable in the coming years.

“The flu has c

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