【2025】Influenza “Recovery” Complete Check: Days After Fever Subsided? Checklists for Children and Adults to Return to Daycare/Work
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While the criteria are generally the same for both children and adults, caution is especially advised for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, as they often have residual virus despite “looking well.”
The latest criteria from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases are summarized below.
Recovery Checklist
Check Item
Criteria for “Cured” Judgment
Important Notes (Especially for Children/Pregnant Women)
① 24-48 Hours Post-Fever Subsided
Full 1 to 2 days have passed since fever subsided (Below 37.5∘C).
Children often cycle between normal temperature in the morning and a low-grade fever in the evening → 48 hours of stability is necessary.
② Normal Temp. Stable for ≥3 Days
Temperature taken morning and evening is below 37.0∘C for 3 consecutive days.
Taking fever reducers (Calonal, etc.) negates this check.
③ Cough/Runny Nose Nearly Gone
Deep cough occurs only a few times per day.
Cough alone may persist for 1−2 weeks in children → This is NOT a barrier to returning if other criteria are met.
④ 100% Return to Appetite/Energy
Completes regular meals and is active (e.g., running around).
“Still feeling tired…” is a sign that the virus may still be active.
⑤ Meets Attendance/Work Suspension Period (Legal Standard)
* ≥5 days have passed since onset AND * ≥2 days (Adults) or ≥3 days (Children) have passed since fever subsided.
Daycare, school, and companies require this period off → No doctor’s certificate is legally required for the period itself.
Practical Flowchart: “Is it OK to Return to Daycare/School/Work Today?” (Example: Today is Day 6 post-onset)
Condition Check
Judgment
① Has 2 full days (or 3 days for children) passed since the fever subsided?
→ If NO, rest tomorrow too.
② Was the temperature measured this morning AND evening below 37.0∘C?
→ If low-grade fever, NO.
③ Is a slight cough remaining, but the person is energetic and ate a full meal?
→ OK.
④ Have 5 full days passed since the onset?
→ If ALL YES, return is OK starting tomorrow!
Additional Mandatory Checks for Children and Pregnant Women
Target
Must Confirm Additionally
Children
* Re-test with a home multiplex kit (for peace of mind if negative). * No longer waking up at nightdue to coughing.
Pregnant Women
* Fetal movement is as normal. * Call the obstetrician after 48 hours post-fever subsided.
Characteristics of the 2025 Epidemic (Reasons Why Recovery is Hard to Confirm)
B-type Victoria strain is dominant → Cough tends to persist for 2−3 weeks.
90% of children follow the “fever subsided but only cough remains” pattern → Even with a residual cough, if the attendance suspension period is met, returning to daycare/school is permitted!
