Guide to Living in Tochigi

• At the hospital〔BYOIN DENO SHINSATSU〕
• Emergencies〔KYUKYU IRYO SEIDO〕
• Flu Vaccinations for the Elderly [KOUREISHA NO INFURUENZA YOBO SESSHU]
• AIDS[EIZU]
• Tuberculosis[KEKKAKU]

At the Hospital〔BYOIN DENO SHINSATSU〕

When you go to a hospital for the first time, you should either explain your condition verbally or write down your condition on the application form which is given to you at the reception desk. If you are covered by health insurance, you will only have to pay 30 percent of the medical expenses. Otherwise, you will have to pay the full amount. If the doctor gives you a prescription, please buy the medicine at the pharmacy (occasionally it is possible to obtain your medicine at the hospital, when paying the bill).

Links:
Tochigi Prefecture Association of Doctors Homepage (Japanese)-http://www.tochigi.med.or.jp
Follow the “Information Service on Tochigi’s Medical Facilities” (Tochigi-ken no Iryo Kikan Joho Sabisu) link on this webpage to search for hospitals/clinics that provide services in foreign languages.

Emergencies〔KYUKYU IRYO SEIDO〕

In the case of an emergency, please call １１９ (no area code) and an ambulance will be sent immediately.
If you have to go to the hospital late at night or during a holiday period, only designated hospitals are open, so please make inquiries first.

Flu Vaccinations for the Elderly [KOUREISHA NO INFURUENZA YOBO SESSHU]

If you meet the conditions below, you can obtain a flu vaccination while incurring only a slight cost. If you do, make sure to bring some form of identification that can confirm your age.

Regular Vaccination (Two types)

Type of Vaccination	Eligible Candidates
Influenza (Flu)	Individuals 65 years of age or older. Individuals between 60 and 65 years of age who: a.suffer from a condition whereby normal functions of the heart, kidneys and/or liver extremely limit his/her normal, daily routine. -and- b.are unable to carry on with their daily routines due to an HIV infection affecting the immune system.

AIDS[EIZU]

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a disease that breaks down the body’s immune system, lowering it’s resistance to germs and thereby decreasing its ability to defend itself. Following infection by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) virus, an individual will experience 10 years on average without any symptoms. The main channels of infection are sexual contact, blood infection and maternal (that is, passed on from mother to child in utero).
Free and anonymous AIDS tests and counseling services are available at the following locations:
Utsunomiya Health Center, Tochigi Prefectural West Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural East Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural South Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural North Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural Ansoku Health & Welfare Center.

●Quick (Same Day) Tests
Test Locations: Utsunomiya Health Center, Tochigi Prefectural West Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural East Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural South Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural North Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural Ansoku Health & Welfare Center.

1. Call ahead to make an appointment for an AIDS test, before going to the health center. You can set a desired time and date, and you may provide a false name.
2. Upon arriving at the center, the staff will take a blood sample and conduct a brief verbal medical examination, lasting roughly 30 minutes.
3. You will get the results from your blood test in about one hour.
   　*If you wish, you can also get tested for Syphilis, Chlamydia. Gonorrhea testing is available at Health and Welfare Services Centers.
   　If you opt for the regular, non-express Syphilis/Chlamydia/Gonorrhea tests, you will have to wait between 7-10 days for the results.
   　The test involves searching for the presence of the HIV antibody. If the infection is in its early stages there may not be enough antibodies to show up on the screen, making for a false negative result. It is therefore recommended that the individual takes another test after about 12 weeks.

Tuberculosis (KEKKAKU)

Tuberculosis is an infection of the TB bacteria that causes an inflammation of the lungs. If treated properly and thoroughly, infected people can be fully cured.

Early symptoms of tuberculosis infection closely resemble those of a cold. If the following conditions persist, however, you should see a doctor immediately.

• The symptoms continue for over two weeks.
• There is an increase in phlegm
• You feel dull and tire easily.
• You feel sharp pains in your chest and are short of breath.
• Your fever persists and you sweat in your sleep.
• You cough blood, or notice blood in your phlegm.

To facilitate the widespread control of tuberculosis, treatments costs may be covered by the government.
Counseling and treatment is available at the following locations: Utsunomiya Health Center, Tochigi Prefectural West Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural East Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural South Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural North Health & Welfare Center, Tochigi Prefectural Ansoku Health & Welfare Center.