no-brainer

この時期は例年インフルエンザが流行しますが、今年も例外ではありません。インフル関係の英文をnet-surfingしていたら以下の記事と厚生労働省のポスターを見つけました。うがいが予防策として入っていない事に初めは違和感を感じていましたが、記事を読み進めていくうちに理解ができました。

Japan’s Secret Weapon Against the Flu Deemed Ineffective by Ministry of Health

According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) during the period of 14-20 January, the number of influenza cases in the country has exceeded 110,000.

Schools and facilities for the elderly across Japan have been pushing a traditional three pronged attack against the flu virus. First, hand washing is a no-brainer (or at least it out to be). Also, anyone who has been to Japan has probably experienced the country’s love of surgical masks.

The third line of defense, however, is rather unique to Japan: gargling. Although gargling is embraced worldwide as a soothing massage for throats sore from overuse or illness, in Japan it has been widely regarded for generations as a preventative measure against cold or flu viruses.

Here’s a video demonstration outlining the MHLW’s previous policy regarding flu prevention, presented by some Power Rangers dancing to Japanese folk music.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/02/04/japans-secret-weapon-against-the-flu-deemed-ineffective-by-ministry-of-health/

no-brainerは米略式で「(考える必要がないほど)明白な[わかりやすい]もの、簡単なもの、簡単にできること」という意味(『ジーニアス英和辞典』第4版、大修館書店)です。英英では"a decision that is easy, and that you do not need to think about, used when you want to emphasize that it is really very easy"と(LDOCE)定義されています。確かに「手洗いは(インフルの予防策として)当たり前で言うまでもない」といった対策の一つですね。そんな当たり前の行為ですが、忘れがちになるとウイルスはすぐに身体に入ってくるので気を付けたいと思います。(EnDough)