December 26, 2022
Health Support Center
What to do when you feel unwell
during the “twindemic” of COVID-19 and seasonal flu
This winter, both COVID-19 and seasonal flu may be prevalent (“twindemic”). The “twindemic” may make it difficult to get to fever outpatient clinics (medical treatment and testing centers). Therefore, it is important to prepare in advance, as well as to thoroughly implement basic infection prevention measures such as “wearing a mask”, “hand washing”, “avoiding the 3Cs (Closed spaces, Crowded places, Closed contact)”, and “ventilation”.
1. Advance preparation
- Vaccination
Consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine. Vaccines do not take effect immediately after vaccination, so if you wish to be vaccinated, do so before the infection spreads.
※Vaccine information for exchange students:
A “Vaccination voucher” (「接種券」) for COVID-19 provided by the local government is needed when you get vaccinated. The local government provides you with a “Vaccine voucher” for COVID-19 after the resident registration.
- Preparation for fever and other health problems
・Thermometer
・COVID-19 antigen qualitative test kit
Before purchasing the kit from a pharmacy, drugstore, or the internet, make sure to choose the kit that has been approved by the Japanese government as an invitro diagnostic product or over-the-counter (OCT) drug. The applicable test kits are labeled as “in vitro diagnostic drug” or “class 1 drug”.
Information on approved over-the-counter (OTC) antigen test kits for COVID019 (MHLW) (in Japanese only)
・Antipyretic analgesics
Choose an antipyretic that contains acetaminophen as an active ingredient.
市販の解熱鎮痛薬の選び方｜厚生労働省 (in Japanese only)
2. If symptoms such as fever occur
※People at risk of serious illness, such as pregnant women, people with chronic illness, elderly people are recommended to see a doctor immediately.
①First, self-test with COVID-19 test kits (test kits labeled as “in vitro diagnostic drug” or “class 1 drug” should be used) If the test result is “positive”, register as positive at Positive Registration Center in each local government and submit the online application form of your school office via MyWASEDA.
Guidelines When Students Are Diagnosed with Novel Coronavirus Disease
②If the test result is “negative”, consult a doctor (telephone / online consultation is recommended)
新型コロナウイルス感染症の感染拡大を踏まえたオンライン診療について｜厚生労働省 (in Japanese only)
東京都臨時オンライン発熱診療センター｜東京都福祉保健局 (in Japanese only)
If you are diagnosed with seasonal flu after consultation, contact your school office through the online application form.
The list of URL to access the online application form of each school office
*The information entered in the application form will be sent to the staff in charge of your school office. Information will also be forwarded to the related faculty and staff.
Recuperation period at home is until at least 5 days have passed since the onset and also until 48 hours have passed after the fever subsided.
*Recuperation period is based on Regulations on the School Health and Safety Act, Article 19.
*Keep your anti-flu medication instructions or medicine package as they may be required when applying for consideration for absence from class.
If both COVID-19 and the flu are negative, recuperate according to the instructions of the physician at the medical institution you visited.
For requesting consideration for class absences, consult your school faculty after informing your doctor’s instructions.
3. The flow of outpatient visits if symptoms such as fever occur
<The flow of outpatient visits and medical treatment in case of fever or other illness in people at low risk of serious illness>
【What to do when the result of antigen test or other tests for COVID-19 is positive】
https://www.waseda.jp/inst/hsc/assets/uploads/2022/12/9859acac256373a08fe544fc0b0fca0a.pdf
（参考）
新型コロナウイルス・季節性インフルエンザの同時流行に備えた対応｜厚生労働省 (in Japanese only)
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kansentaisaku_00003.html
