When you have to miss nearly a week of work due to the flu, the most serious concern, alongside anxiety about return dates, is the economic impact of “Will my salary be zero?” If the company doesn’t offer special leave or sufficient paid annual leave, many people brace for an “unpaid absence.”
However, influenza is a guaranteed condition for the Sickness and Injury Allowance (Shoˉbyoˉ Teate-kin) paid by health insurance. This is a vital safety net for workers that provides 2/3 (approx. 66.7%) of your standard daily remuneration if you are absent for 4 or more consecutive days, even after you have used up all your paid leave.
Influenza “Work Compensation” Complete Summary (As of 2025)
When taking leave due to the flu, the “Sickness and Injury Allowance” (Shoˉbyoˉ Teate-kin) is available as work compensation. This system is provided by the health insurance fund and covers acute illnesses like influenza. While company special leave and paid annual leave are also means of compensation, the main legal recourse is the Sickness and Injury Allowance. As of 2025, MHLW guidelines treat influenza as a “separate illness” if the virus type is different, allowing for annual applications. Details are summarized below.
Types and Conditions of Work Compensation
| Type of Compensation | Content of Payment | Eligibility Conditions | Payment Amount/Duration | Application Method |
| Sickness and Injury Allowance (Main Health Insurance Compensation) | Financial support for daily life when unable to work due to illness/injury. | • Health insurance member (including employees/part-timers) • Unable to work for 4 or more consecutive days(High fever from flu for 5-7 days qualifies) • Doctor’s certificate provided • After paid leave is used up | • 2/3 of your standard daily remuneration (e.g., Daily wage ¥10,000 →Approx. ¥6,667/day) • Maximum 1 year 6 months from the start date of payment | Apply through the company to the Health Insurance Association (Kyōkai Kenpo). Payment starts from the 4th day of absence. |
| Temporary Absence Allowance (Labor Standards Act, Article 26) | Compensation when absence is due to company circumstances. | • If the company orders a work suspension (to prevent flu spread) • Absence due to company responsibility | 60% of average daily wage (Applicable if the company voluntarily sends employees home for flu prevention) | Automatically paid by the company (No legal precedents, but recommended by MHLW). |
| Special/Sick Leave (Company’s Own Policy) | Dedicated leave set by the company for the flu. | • If explicitly stated in work regulations • Common in large companies/civil service | 100% Salary Paid(Equivalent to Paid Leave) | Self-declaration to obtain (Cannot be mandated). |
| Paid Annual Leave | Using vacation days at the employee’s discretion. | If paid leave balance remains. | 100% Salary Paid | Employee application (Company cannot mandate usage). |
2025 Model Case for Receiving Sickness and Injury Allowance for the Flu
- Example Case: Onset Monday (38.5∘C fever), fever subsides Friday → Return to work the following Monday (Total 7 days of absence).
- Days 1-3: 100% salary paid via paid annual leave or special leave.
- Days 4 and onward: 2/3 paid via Sickness and Injury Allowance (for the portion where paid leave was used up).
- Total Compensation: If the daily wage is ¥10,000, approx. ¥40,000 (3 days of paid leave + 4 days of allowance).
- Note: The flu is treated as a “new illness” each time if the virus type is different, allowing for re-application annually. The “after fever subsides” period does not start while using fever reducers.
Company Response and Compensation Key Points (2025)
- Civil Servants/Large Companies: 100% compensated via special leave (Temporary Absence Allowance may also apply if ordered to stay home).
- SMEs: Paid annual leave is mainstream, but the Sickness and Injury Allowance is available to all employees.
- When ordered to stay home: If the company is responsible, the Temporary Absence Allowance (60%) is mandatory (MHLW Q&A). However, this is a gray area with no clear legal precedent.
- Tip for Application: Ensure the doctor’s certificate explicitly states “unable to work due to influenza.” The company can help prepare the necessary documents.
Summary
If you take leave for the flu, you are guaranteed to receive 2/3 of your salary via the Sickness and Injury Allowance!(Available if you miss 4 or more consecutive days, and is an annual entitlement). Many companies offer 100% coverage through paid annual leave or special leave, so you will not incur a loss.
