JurnalPost.com - Complaints of coughs, colds, fevers, and sore throats have become a public concern as influenza activity increased in Indonesia in September 2026. Although symptoms are often dismissed as minor illnesses, influenza still requires vigilance, especially among groups at risk of complications.
In a press statement on 28 September 2026, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reported that influenza activity increased in the 38 week of 2026. Out of 265 specimens examined through the sentinel surveillance system, 148 were confirmed positive for influenza.
A positivity rate of 56 percent might sound alarming. However, it is important to understand that this percentage does not mean 56 percent of the Indonesian population is currently infected with influenza.
So, how should the public respond to the rise in influenza activity? When can symptoms be managed with rest at home, and when does a patient need immediate medical help?
Understanding Influenza Positivity Rates Accurately
The 56 percent figure represents the proportion of positive results from specimens of patients examined through the sentinel surveillance system. This system uses selected health facilities to monitor disease progression and viral spread.
Therefore, this figure cannot be equated to the percentage of the Indonesian population currently ill.
The Ministry of Health explained that the increase in influenza activity in September still follows a common seasonal pattern. During this period, the most frequently detected virus was influenza A(H1N1)pdm09.
For comparison, Ministry of Health surveillance data from 2026 through the 38 week showed 1,527 positive influenza specimens out of a total of 8,757 tests, or approximately 17 percent.
Meanwhile, influenza A(H3N2) subclade K, often associated with the term superflu, was detected 22 times throughout 2026 up to that period. This figure is lower than the 166 findings in 2025.
The term superflu is not an official term used by the World Health Organization (WHO) or health authorities to designate a new type of influenza.
Influenza trends continue to change. In a surveillance report published on 24 October 2026, the proportion of positive influenza specimens in the latest weekly data was recorded as having decreased to 32 percent from 45 percent the previous week.
This highlights the importance of interpreting data based on the observation period rather than viewing a single number as a reflection of an ongoing condition.
Influenza Is More Than Just a Common Cough and Cold
Influenza is a respiratory tract infection caused by influenza viruses, primarily types A and B.
The virus spreads through respiratory particles expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The risk of transmission increases when someone is in close proximity to an infected person, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
Influenza symptoms generally appear suddenly. Patients may experience fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and significant fatigue.
These symptoms may superficially resemble the common cold or common cold. However, influenza tends to cause more severe complaints and can trigger specific complications.
Therefore, not every cough and cold referred to as the flu in daily conversation is caused by the influenza virus. Other respiratory viral infections can also cause similar symptoms.
Most influenza patients recover within about one week. However, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of experiencing complications, including pneumonia or lung infections.
Antibiotics Are Not the Cure for Influenza
One common misconception still found in the community is the belief that antibiotics can be used to treat all types of coughs, colds, and fevers.
In reality, antibiotics work against infections caused by bacteria, whereas influenza is a disease caused by a viral infection.
Taking antibiotics without a medical indication does not make influenza heal faster. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can also increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Antibiotics are only necessary if a doctor identifies a secondary bacterial infection or specific complications that require such treatment.
In addition to antibiotics, the public also needs to understand the use of antiviral drugs like oseltamivir.
Antiviral drugs do not need to be given to every influenza patient. Doctors will consider their use based on the patient's condition, the severity of the disease, and the risk of complications.
Antiviral treatment generally provides the most optimal benefits if started within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. However, for patients with severe influenza or those in high-risk groups, treatment can still be beneficial even if started after that period.
Therefore, the public should not purchase or consume antiviral drugs without examination and guidance from medical professionals.
When Is It Enough to Manage the Flu with Rest at Home?
For patients with mild symptoms, a generally stable physical condition, and no risk factors for complications, influenza can usually be managed through self-care at home.
Simple steps include getting enough rest, increasing water intake, eating a balanced, nutritious diet, and monitoring symptom progression.
Fever reducers or pain relievers can be used according to the dosage instructions and the patient's health condition. However, it must be understood that these medications are intended to relieve symptoms, not to kill the influenza virus.
For children, medication use must be adjusted according to age and the advice of health professionals.
While ill, patients should reduce close contact with others to avoid transmitting the virus to family members, coworkers, or people in their surroundings.
Self-care must also be accompanied by monitoring. If symptoms worsen, do not improve, or if unusual complaints arise, a medical examination is necessary.
For high-risk groups, consultation with a health professional should be sought as soon as symptoms appear, even if the complaints do not yet seem severe.
Recognize Danger Signs, Don't Delay Seeing a Doctor
Although most influenza cases can resolve on their own, there are several danger signs that should not be ignored.
Patients need to seek immediate medical examination if they experience a high fever that does not improve for more than three days, difficulty drinking, or a condition that initially improved but then worsened again.
Symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, severe or persistent chest pain, seizures, difficulty waking up, or bluish lips and face require emergency medical assistance.
In children, parents need to observe whether the chest or the spaces between the ribs appear to pull inward when the child breathes. This condition may indicate respiratory distress.
Signs of dehydration should also be watched for, such as very infrequent urination, dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, or an inability to drink properly.
Infants under three months old who develop a fever also require immediate medical assessment.
Severe symptoms should not be ignored just because the patient has not yet had a fever for three days. Examinations must be performed according to the severity of the condition experienced.
Flu Prevention Starts with Simple Habits
Preventing influenza transmission does not always require complex steps. Simple habits practiced consistently can help reduce the risk of infection.
Washing hands with soap and running water, practicing cough and sneeze etiquette, and wearing a mask when ill are steps that can be applied in daily life.
Maintaining room ventilation and reducing close contact with others when experiencing symptoms of respiratory tract infection can also help prevent transmission.
Additionally, an annual influenza vaccination is a protective measure that can be considered according to the recommendations of health professionals, especially for groups at high risk of complications.
The influenza vaccine does not guarantee that a person will be completely protected from infection. However, vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness, complications, and the need for hospitalization.
The increase in seasonal influenza activity should be met with vigilance, not panic. The public needs to understand that not every cough and cold is influenza, antibiotics are not a cure for viral infections, and not every patient requires hospital care.
The most important thing is to recognize your body's condition, perform appropriate self-care, and know when to seek medical help.
With accurate information and consistent preventive habits, the public can protect themselves while helping to reduce the risk of transmitting influenza to others.
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