Malaysian tourist faces high medical costs after contracting flu in Japan

The tourist, who traveled to Japan with her family in early January, experienced breathing difficulties while climbing a mountain in Hokkaido, China Press reported.

She exhibited flu symptoms similar to those of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, who recently passed away from influenza-related pneumonia in Japan, according to 8Days.

However, after learning that hospitalization would cost approximately around US$3,300 per day, she opted to return to Malaysia for treatment, Dimsum Daily reported.

To bypass customs screenings, she hid in an airport restroom, took medication, and used cold compresses to reduce her fever before rushing through immigration.

Upon returning to Malaysia, she was hospitalized as her oxygen levels had dropped dangerously low, requiring immediate medical attention.

After five days of treatment, including multiple inhalation therapies, she was discharged.

"I feel very lucky to have survived the flu," she said.

Her story quickly gained attention on social media in the context that health experts in Thailand, Hong Kong and the Philippines have recently urged nationals to reconsider travel to Japan due to rising flu cases.

According to the Associated Press, Japan is experiencing its worst flu outbreak in 25 years, with data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases recording approximately 9.52 million flu cases between Sept. 2, 2024, and Jan. 26, 2025.