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There is a world of difference between "Seasonal Influenza," which circulates every winter, and "Novel Influenza," which causes global pandemics, in terms of their nature, infectivity, and social impact, despite both carrying the name "influenza."

"The average incubation period for influenza is 1 to 3 days"—it is dangerous to feel relieved just looking at this number. The latest data reveals the fact that "the most potent infectivity has already begun 24 hours before the onset of symptoms." This means that the moment you realize you "have a fever," it is highly likely that you have already spread the virus to your workplace or school.This guide provides an "at-a-glance table" detailing the real infection schedule and correct response for 2025, covering: actions during the incubation period when a cohabiting family member is infected, and rules for asymptomatic positive diagnoses. Protect your surroundings with this essential, up-to-date knowledge.

Restaurant employees (including part-time, casual, and full-time staff) are subject to one of the strictest sets of influenza work suspension rules in Japan, due to dual responsibilities under the Food Sanitation Act and the prevention of infection spread to customers.In the latest 2025 operational standards, the longer work suspension period of "5 days post-onset AND 2 days post-fever resolution (total 7–9 days)" has been standardized. This is to exclude influenza patients from food handling duties and prevent the risk of food poisoning complications. Furthermore, a "Negative Certificate via Antigen Test or PCR" is now almost mandatory (80% of establishments) for returning to work.

Nursery teachers and childcare workers (Hoiクshi) who work in nurseries and kindergartens are exposed to infants and toddlers with low immunity, so the most stringent rules in Japan apply to their influenza work suspension standards. This strictness is intended to protect the children from severe illness and clusters.In 2025, based on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) guidelines and the application of the School Health and Safety Act, the rules have been further tightened. The work suspension period has been standardized to "5 days post-onset AND 3 days post-fever resolution (total 8–10 days)," and a "Negative Certificate via Antigen Test or PCR" is now almost mandatory (90% of facilities) for returning to work.

Nurses working in hospitals and clinics interact with patients at high risk of severe illness, leading to the application of the most rigorous rules in Japan concerning influenza work suspension standards.In 2025, based on the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Japan Nursing Association (JNA) directives, these rules have been further tightened. Specifically, the longer work suspension period of "5 days post-onset AND 3 days post-fever resolution (total 8-10 days)" has become standard, and a "Negative Certificate via Antigen Test or PCR" is now almost mandatory for returning to work.

Care facilities represent the environment with the highest risk of severe illness for elderly residents. Consequently, the work suspension rules for influenza applied to care workers and facility staff are among the strictest standards in Japancompared to general office workers.In 2025, based on a notice from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Health and Welfare Bureau for the Elderly, the rules in the care industry have been significantly tightened. The work suspension period has been extended to "5 days post-onset AND 3 days post-fever resolution (minimum 8-10 days)," and furthermore, a "Negative Certificate" upon returning to work has become mandatory at 90% of facilities.

"My child has the flu, but what should I do about work?" "I can't afford to have zero pay..."When taking time off work to care for a sick child, the systems available to parents and the handling of their pay are often surprisingly unknown. Especially in the latest 2025 trends, Child Care Leave has become paid at many companies, and an environment is being established where about 70% of Japanese people can take 5 to 10 days a year for caregiving without a reduction in salary.

When you get the flu (influenza), you often need a "Certificate" or "Diagnosis" from a doctor to return to school or work, and to claim sick pay (shōbyō teatekin / sickness and injury allowance). However, understanding the different types, official names, standard costs, and which one is the best can be confusing, right?The latest trend in 2025 shows that many companies are requesting documents that "clearly state the date of onset", and there has been a three-fold surge in large companies, in particular, requiring an "Negative Certificate."