Influenza activity in Indonesia has increased, with a 38% positivity rate for influenza cases in week 35, according to Health Ministry data, as the Indonesian Pediatric Association recommends annual vaccination for children and preventive measures.
The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) has reiterated its recommendation for annual influenza vaccination for children starting at six months of age, citing the virus’s constant evolution through antigenic drift and shift.
Rising Influenza Activity and Public Health Response
Health Ministry data shows a sharp rise in influenza A cases, with the positivity rate reaching 38% in week 35, up from 22% the previous week. Professor Tri Wibawa of Gadjah Mada University’s Department of Microbiology noted that while the increase in August 2026 does not warrant panic, risk mitigation steps remain critical. ObserverID reported that 66 out of 175 tested specimens were positive for influenza, predominantly influenza A(H1N1)pdm09.
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According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), sourced via the WHO Western Pacific Region, influenza activity across the Southeast Asia region has been rising from 1 September 2025 to 30 August 2026. Monitoring through the sentinel system in Indonesia shows positive influenza activity that fluctuates throughout the year. The highest level of activity occurred towards the end of 2025, followed by another rise in mid-2026.
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has detected the H3N2 subklad K strain in 13 provinces, with East Java reporting a notable rise in cases. Dr. Hikari Ambara Sjakti, IDAI’s secretary general, highlighted that children aged 0–17 face a two-fold higher risk of symptomatic infection compared to adults.
Vaccine Recommendations and Efficacy
Vaccination is projected to reduce infection risk by 40–60% and lessen disease severity, according to IDAI. The association emphasizes that vaccines are available in trivalent or quadrivalent inactivated forms and intranasal live vaccines for healthy individuals aged 2–49. Prof. Dr. Anggraini Alam stressed that vaccination not only protects children but also family members, especially infants under six months who cannot receive the vaccine.
Don't Take Flu in Children Lightly, Here's Why Influenza
Influenza is typically caused by type A and type B influenza viruses. Typical symptoms consist of fever or chills, coughing, sore throat, nasal congestion or discharge, muscle pains, headaches, and tiredness. Influenza A, a viral infection impacting the respiratory system—such as the nose, throat, and lungs—mainly spreads via respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to follow appropriate coughing and sneezing protocols and use face masks to hinder virus transmission. Transmission can also occur when individuals touch contaminated surfaces before touching their face.
Preventive Measures and Public Advisories
Health authorities advise isolating sick children, as they can transmit the virus up to 10 days after symptoms appear. The Indonesian Ministry of Health also reiterated the importance of mask-wearing, hydration, and avoiding crowded spaces, particularly for high-risk groups like young children and immunocompromised individuals.
Professor Tri Wibawa warned that influenza spreads rapidly in close-contact environments, such as schools and public transit. The Ministry of Health also highlighted the need for parents to recognize danger signs like high fever, shortness of breath, and dehydration, urging immediate medical attention.
Health experts urge healthy lifestyles, precautionary measures
Transmission Occurs at Crowded Settings
Transmission is more likely in environments with close contact, especially in densely populated areas like offices, schools, and public transportation. Professor Tri advised the public to focus on at-risk populations more susceptible to severe complications, such as those aged 65 and above, children under five, individuals with ongoing health issues, and those with weakened immune systems.
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