Jakarta (ANTARA) – The rainy season has arrived, after extreme heat hit much of Indonesia some time ago.
This change in season causes changes in air temperature and humidity that affect the body’s immune system and the spread of viruses and bacteria.
This condition is aggravated by reduced exposure to sunlight during the rainy season, which can reduce the production of vitamin D, which plays an important role in supporting the body’s immune system.
One of the diseases that often attacks us during the rainy season is the flu.
Based on the tracking report of influenza and Covid-19 cases throughout October 2025, 115 influenza cases were recorded, with details of influenza A (H1N1) 13 cases, influenza A (H3N2) 86 cases and influenza B (Victoria) 16 cases.
This figure shows a significant increase compared to the previous month, which recorded only 54 cases of influenza.
What is influenza A?
Influenza A is a virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat and lungs.
This virus has several subtypes such as H1N1, H5N1 and H3N2, which currently dominates Asia.
Compared to influenza B, influenza A is much more dangerous. Type B is generally transmitted only between humans, has a lower mutation rate and does not have the potential to trigger a global pandemic.
Meanwhile, influenza A can be transmitted both between humans and from animals to humans. The high mutation rate makes this virus spread easily and has the potential to give rise to new, more virulent variants, which could even trigger a global pandemic.
An example is the Spanish flu or 1918 flu, caused by the H1N1 virus with avian genes. This disease took only a year to spread throughout the world.
The Spanish flu is known to have infected approximately 500 million people worldwide, resulting in deaths of up to 50 million.
The H5N1 subtype of influenza A spread in Indonesia between 2005 and 2017. No recent cases of people infected with the virus have been reported since 2018.
However, recently the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) announced that influenza A subtype H3N2 has been detected in Indonesia
Symptoms of influenza A
Influenza A can be transmitted through splashes of snot or saliva that come out when the sick person sneezes, coughs or talks.
When healthy people are exposed to these droplets, the virus can enter the body through the nose or mouth, then spread to the airways and cause symptoms.
Spread can also occur indirectly, i.e. when someone touches the surface of objects contaminated by the virus.
Each person can experience different symptoms. In general, symptoms last 7 to 10 days. However, in children under 18, older adults, and people with certain health conditions, symptoms may last longer or be more severe.
Below are the symptoms that people with influenza A will experience:
● High fever accompanied by chills
● Muscle pain
● Headache
● Easy to faint
● Stuffy nose
● Sore throat and cough
If symptoms worsen, such as shortness of breath, go to the hospital immediately to receive appropriate medical care and prevent complications.
Prevention
The annual flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to avoid the risk of contracting influenza A. The vaccine will help the immune system recognize circulating viruses so that the body can create a defense and be better prepared to fight infections.
Since the influenza A virus can attach itself to various objects that are touched, maintaining hand hygiene is an important step in preventing transmission. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
Besides that, use your mask as much as possible when you are in public spaces. Masks not only provide protection, but also prevent droplets from escaping when you cough or sneeze
Last, but not least, is keeping your immune system optimal. A strong immune system will help the body fight the influenza A virus more effectively and speed up the recovery process in the event of an infection.
Read also: The Ministry of Health is conducting a study to include influenza vaccination in the national program
Read also: Madiun Health Office asks residents to be aware of ISPA during the changing seasons
Read also: Be careful of flu cases, recognize the four types of viruses that cause it
Reporter: Nadine Laysa Amalia
Publisher: Alviansyah Pasaribu
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