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The time between the onset of a cerebral infarction and the start of treatment directly determines the severity of long-term disability and life expectancy. The most crucial thing upon onset is to know the four easily recognizable signs (FAST)and call 119/911 without hesitation.Even if symptoms disappear in a few minutes, it could be a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), which is a highly likely precursor to a major stroke. The decision to "wait and see" can lead to irreversible consequences.

Cerebral infarction is not a single disease. It is broadly categorized into three types based on the mechanism of onset: "Lacunar Infarction," "Atherothrombotic Infarction," and "Cardioembolic Infarction." Each type has different causes, treatments, and secondary prevention strategies.

A cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke) is a time-critical medical emergency where a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked, cutting off blood flow and causing brain tissue to die. It accounts for approximately 70−80% of all strokes and can leave severe long-term disabilities such as paralysis and speech difficulties.This guide explains the basics of cerebral infarction, the emergency signs (FAST) everyone must know, and the latest treatment methods. Time is crucial: If treated within 4.5 hours of onset, clot-busting t-PA therapy may be administered, which significantly impacts recovery.

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.

Children are prone to more rapid deterioration than adults. A sudden high fever of ≥38.5∘C is almost always the first sign. The typical pattern is, "They were fine yesterday, but suddenly look lethargic..."Below is a table summarizing symptoms by age and time progression, based on the 2025 guidelines from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Japan Pediatric Society.

The most significant characteristic of the 2024–2025 season (especially with the dominant A/H3N2 strain) is the "abnormally persistent cough." There has been a sharp increase in individuals whose fever has subsided, but the cough persists for 2 to 6 weeks.

While you cannot "cure" influenza with OTC medicines after onset, you can "alleviate symptoms" and potentially "prevent deterioration." We have strictly selected only the medications actually sold in pharmacies that are genuinely useful for managing flu symptoms.

Seasonal influenza epidemics are accelerating nationwide. Daycare centers (for children aged 0-6) adhere to the School Health and Safety Act (specifying Type 2 Infectious Diseases) and the Child and Family Agency's "Guidelines for Infectious Disease Control in Daycare Centers." While daycare centers are not legally "schools," and thus the rules are not strictly mandatory, nearly all facilities adopt these standards. To prevent the spread of infection, prompt notification and compliance are essential.

If you contract seasonal influenza, you have the right to take leave from work. However, this is generally recognized not as a "legally mandated prohibition of attendance," but as a right to voluntary rest to protect your health, and an accommodation based on the company's duty of care for safety.As of 2025, the Labor Standards Act (LSA) does not specify compulsory attendance restrictions unique to influenza. However, in the interest of preventing the spread of infection, many companies establish rules referencing the standards of the School Health and Safety Act. Below is a summary of the relevant LSA provisions and key company rules, based on MHLW/Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases guidelines and practical case studies.

Based on a thorough analysis of 2025 real-world data (National Institute of Infectious Diseases, MHLW, as of November) comparing individuals who experienced co-infection versus those who avoided it, the following preventive measures are ranked by their proven efficacy.