Number of deaths from infectious diseases Japan 2022, by type

Among infectious diseases that were recorded in Japan, the highest number of deaths was caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which amounted to approximately 47.6 thousand deaths in 2022. The number of deaths from infectious enterogastritis followed with around two thousand cases. 

 Seasonal influenza in Japan 

The influenza season in Japan typically begins in November or December and reaches its peak in the first two months of the following year. The number of deaths caused by seasonal flu in Japan has been increasing in recent years. Since 2010, more than 25 million influenza vaccine units were supplied in the country annually. Citizens aged 60 years and over are eligible to receive free periodic influenza vaccines from their municipality. In recent years, more than 20 million elderly have received such a free vaccination yearly.

 Receding flu infections during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, a partial decrease in monthly flu patients was observed in Japan. This development has by some been attributed to a phenomenon called viral interference, making people less susceptible to influenza viruses in areas where the coronavirus is predominant. In case of an infection with the novel virus, infected cells secrete so-called interferon proteins which block other viruses. Moreover, nationwide preventive measures such as face masks, home office implementation, and regulations of gastronomy opening hours have shown to have a positive influence on reducing infection numbers of diseases like influenza.