TOKYO -- Amid the high number of patients with mycoplasma pneumonia, characterized by persistent coughs, since around this autumn, the influenza season has entered full swing in Japan. As a result, some people are suffering from both illnesses simultaneously, experiencing the combined symptoms of fever and cough.

A first-year high school student living in the Tokyo metropolitan area suddenly developed a fever topping 38 degrees Celsius in early December. He visited a nearby clinic to get tested and was diagnosed with influenza. Though taking fever medication and resting at home, his high temperature persisted four days after the onset of symptoms.

His cough also worsened, prompting him to seek care at another hospital. A chest X-ray showed part of his lungs had turned white, indicating pneumonia. He was diagnosed with a possible mycoplasma pneumonia infection. After taking prescribed antibiotics and fever medication, his temperature finally went down nine days after he first fell ill.

Severe cases emerging

"We are treating three to four patients daily with IV therapy for mycoplasma pneumonia. This situation is unprecedented," said Daisuke Ito, director at Himawari Iin clinic in Tokyo's Edogawa Ward. "At the same time, influenza is spreading, and we're diagnosing and treating around 20 positive cases per day."

Influenza typically causes fever along with symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny nose and headache. Many patients complain particularly about severe headaches and joint pain.

On the other hand, mycoplasma pneumonia often presents with a strong cough, but fevers are less frequent. When both infections occur simultaneously, the combined symptoms can be severe, with high fever, intense coughing and shortness of breath.

How to prevent infections

Both infections primarily spread through droplet transmission. Preventative measures include avoiding close contact with others, thorough handwashing and keeping surfaces such as doorknobs and handrails clean.

It is also important to get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet. Additional preventive steps include avoiding sharing dishes with others, refraining from eating meals from large plates with others, and gargling with water or green tea.

Since mycoplasma pneumonia often causes little to no fever, it can be difficult to recognize. Ito advises, "People who have a persistent cough, even while sleeping or talking, or those who still feel sick despite taking over-the-counter medication should see a doctor, even if they don't have a fever."

(Japanese original by Reiko Ide, Lifestyle, Science & Environment News Department)