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Government warns against influenza

インフルエンザの感染が拡大しています（警報レベル）

2018/01/25 Thursday Health

According to data reported by 72 medical institutions in Mie Prefecture, 62.4 cases of flu patients were confirmed per facility during the period of January 15 – 21, 2018.

This number surpasses the “warning level” (Keihou) determined by the National Institute of Infectious Disease Center of Epidemiology and Infection that is put into place when the number of patients per medical institution is equivalent or higher than “30 people”. It is expected the outbreak continue for a few days more.

Now that influenza reached the epidemic peak, Mie government issued an announcement for prevention and prophylaxis.

  1. Differences between Influenza and cold
Cold Influenza
Symptoms Local symptoms such as sore throat and runny nose General symptoms such as fever higher than 38ºC, cough, sore throat, discomfort, joint pain, among others.
Epidemic period There is the possibility of catching the cold at some point over the year Epidemic peak between January and February.

However, there is the possibility to catch the flu now and then in April and May.

*For example, someone who catches the flu develops a sudden fever, rising rapidly to 38ºC, sore throat, cough and discomfort. If you have those symptoms, consult your doctor (general practitioner or pediatrician)

  1. How to treat the flu

The flu treatment contains an antiviral medicine for the sickness.

  • The doctor will prescribe the medicine upon confirmation if you will need to use it, therefore take it according to the instructions.
  • It’s recommended to drink when developing the symptoms. Hydrate yourself to prevent dehydration and dry throat.
  1. Prevention indoors
  • Wash your hands properly
  • Rest well and eat meals containing a good nutrition balance.
  • Avoid going outdoors if there is no need or urgency
  • Cough etiquette

Use a mask if you cough or sneeze

If you do not have a mask, cover your mouth and nose using a tissue

  • If you feel sick, do not decide by yourself and consult your doctor as fast as possible

More information about flu on the following link (old post)

About Influenza

Diversified information on infections such as flu will be released on the homepage of Mie Prefecture Information Center for Infectious Diseases (only in Japanese)

http://www.kenkou.pref.mie.jp/

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Law regarding consumer contract – Use it before quitting

2018/01/25 Thursday Health

あきらめる前に確認しよう！　消費者契約法について

We will introduce the law regarding consumer contract, a method providing the right of contract termination, in addition to cooling-off system (the contract law aiming consumers determines all kinds of contracts except for labor contracts agreed between the consumer and the contractor)

In case you make a contract by illegal requests, it is possible to cancel it

<Examples of illegal requests>

  • Illegal advertisement (the company or merchandiser lied about something important for consumer)
    Example: the trader makes up a history on the weakness of the house’s floor saying it is humid, causing worries to the consumer who ends up agreeing with the sales contract and the installation of the exhaust fan.
  • Unreasonable contracts (in case the consumer is forced to purchase many products far beyond the common amount)
    Example: the trader sells plenty of expensive duvet sets for elderly consumers living alone, even knowing the condition they live.
  • Importunate visits
    Example: door to door salesman keeps visiting the house for many times even facing many denials from the resident.

The clauses regarding the illegal contracts will be invalid
The following cases show illegal clauses that became invalid

<Examples of clauses of illegal contracts>

  • Clause exempting compensations on the part of the trader
    Example: “In any kind of situation, our company will have no responsibility under any kind of compensation related to this product”, and other types of articles preventing the compensation on the part of the trader.
  • Clause for high costs of compensation on the part of the client

Example: “If there is a delay in rent payment a fee of 30% will be applied on the delayed monthly fee”, and other types of articles determining compensations of delayed payments above 14.6% or steep cancellation fees.

*There is the possibility of a contract cancellation or invalidation of contract clauses in addition to the ones cited above.
* The use of the right of termination has a limit period up to 1 or 5 years depending on the type.
Department of Consumer ‘s homepage (only in Japanese)

http://www.caa.go.jp/policies/policy/consumer_system/consumer_contract_act/

 Don’t worry alone and make an inquiry

Make an inquiry with Consumer Affairs Center or Municipal Center of Consumer Affairs nearest to your residence in case you do not know if it will be possible to use the cooling-off system or you do not know the procedures (only in Japanese).

Consumer’s Hotline TEL: 188

*When calling “188”, an announcement will be issued and the call will be redirected to the Municipal Center for Consumer Affairs nearest to your residence or to the Consumer Affairs Center of Mie Prefecture.

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