SITUATION AND DISEASE OVERVIEW

1. Are influenza cases in Indonesia currently increasing?

Yes. Influenza cases experienced an increase in late September 2026 (Week 38). Out of 265 specimens tested through sentinel surveillance, 148 were positive for influenza (a positivity rate of 56%). This figure represents the proportion of positive specimens among those tested and does not mean that 56% of the population has contracted influenza. This increase is not a major surge and remains within the common seasonal patterns observed in Indonesia.

2. Why are influenza cases in Indonesia rising right now?

This increase is influenced by:

• Seasonal transition.

• Increased population mobility and public gatherings.

• The currently circulating dominant virus subtypes.

Because Indonesia is a tropical country, influenza circulates year-round with specific periods of increased activity. A rise in cases does not automatically signify an outbreak or an emergency; the key priority is monitoring trends and severity levels through Community Health Centers (Puskesmas) and hospitals.

3. Is the current influenza situation concerning?

No. The current rise in cases does not constitute an extraordinary surge. Influenza activity at primary healthcare facilities (monitored via Influenza-Like Illness / ILI surveillance) remains at a moderate level, while hospital admissions (monitored via Severe Acute Respiratory Infection / SARI surveillance) remain low. The public is advised to stay vigilant, but the overall condition remains consistent with annual seasonal patterns.

4. What exactly is influenza?

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses (predominantly Types A and B in Indonesia). The virus spreads through respiratory droplets generated during coughing, sneezing, or talking. It can affect anyone, with severity ranging from mild to severe illness.

5. What are the symptoms of influenza?

Most individuals recover independently within a week without specialized medical intervention. Common mild symptoms include:

• Fever.

• Cough and runny nose.

• Sore throat.

• Muscle aches and headaches.

• Severe fatigue.

In vulnerable populations, influenza can progress to severe illness and require hospitalization.

6. What is the difference between influenza and a "common cold" (selesma)?

Not all cases of cough and cold are caused by influenza. The key distinctions are:

7. What do ILI and SARI mean in influenza surveillance data?

Both are terms used for disease surveillance and monitoring, not types of viruses:

• ILI (Influenza-Like Illness): Refers to illnesses presenting symptoms that resemble influenza, monitored at primary healthcare facilities (Puskesmas).

• SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection): Refers to severe acute respiratory infections, monitored at hospitals.

8. Which influenza virus is currently most prevalent?

In Week 38 of 2026, Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 emerged as the dominant subtype in Indonesia. This subtype is also the predominant strain circulating globally.

9. What is meant by "superflu"?

"Superflu" is not an official technical term recognized by WHO or the CDC. It is often colloquially linked to the Influenza A subtype H3N2 subclade K due to its propensity for mutation. In Indonesia, only 22 cases of subclade K were recorded up to Week 38 of 2026—a significant reduction compared to the 166 cases documented in 2025.

10. Is influenza dangerous?

The vast majority of cases are self-limiting (the body clears the infection independently without requiring hospitalization). However, the illness can be dangerous and lead to complications (such as pneumonia) in vulnerable high-risk groups: young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying comorbidities.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

11. What steps should be taken if someone contracts influenza?

For mild cases, home care should follow these core principles:

• Ensure adequate rest.

• Maintain high fluid intake (drink plenty of water).

• Consume a balanced, nutritious diet (increasing fruit and vegetable intake).

• Regularly monitor overall physical condition.

12. What medications can be used for influenza?

For mild symptoms, symptomatic relief medications (antipyretics for fever, analgesics for pain, or cough-and-cold remedies) may be used to improve patient comfort during recovery. These medications do not kill the virus. For pediatric patients, ensure all medication selection follows a medical doctor's advice.

13. Does every patient need to take antivirals such as Oseltamivir?

No. Oseltamivir is not a routine cold medicine or a preventative drug. Its usage is restricted strictly to patients exhibiting severe symptoms or high-risk individuals, based on clinical assessment by a physician. Unregulated consumption carries the risk of inducing drug resistance.

14. When are antiviral medications like Oseltamivir most effective?

They are most effective when administered within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. However, for hospitalized patients or those at high risk for severe complications, antivirals remain clinically beneficial even when initiated after the 48-hour window.

15. Can antibiotics treat influenza?

No. Influenza is caused by a virus, whereas antibiotics are designed exclusively to eliminate bacteria. Antibiotics are prescribed only if a physician diagnoses a secondary bacterial co-infection.

16. When should an influenza patient undergo laboratory testing?

Not every case of cough and cold requires testing. Primary diagnostic testing using RT-PCR (or Rapid Antigen if PCR is unavailable) is performed based on clinical discretion, particularly for:

• High-risk or severely ill patients.

• Patients admitted to healthcare facilities.

• Surveillance purposes and advanced clinical management.

17. What danger signs require immediate medical attention?

Do not delay medical evaluation. Proceed immediately to the nearest healthcare facility if any of the following warning signs appear:

• High fever persisting for more than 3 days.

• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing (in children, observe for chest wall retractions).

• Chest pain.

• Extreme lethargy, seizures, or difficulty waking up.

• Signs of dehydration (inability to drink fluids, bluish lips or face).

• Temporary improvement followed by a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

18. How can the transmission of the influenza virus be prevented?

• Wash hands regularly with clean water and soap.

• Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette (cover the mouth and nose).

• Wear a mask when feeling unwell or in crowded spaces.

• Minimize close contact with others while ill.

• Receive an annual routine influenza vaccination to mitigate the risk of severe disease.

19. Can vaccinated individuals still contract influenza?

Yes. Vaccination does not guarantee 100% protection against infection, but it is crucial for reducing the risk of severe illness, complications, and hospitalization. Vaccine formulations are updated periodically to match circulating viral mutations based on WHO recommendations.

20. What actions is the government taking to address the rise in influenza cases?

The Ministry of Health is executing a coordinated response through four key measures:

1. Strengthening surveillance and laboratory networks to track viral trends and mutations.

2. Ensuring facility and healthcare workforce readiness to manage patient care effectively.

3. Issuing vigilance circulars to all regional governments and healthcare facilities.

4. Conducting routine risk communication to deliver updated guidance and public health advice.

Image source: Adapted from Polina Tankilevitch, available at [Link]