January 5, 2026 | 12:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian health expert Tjandra Yoga Aditama has warned that pregnant women, young children, and older adults remain the most vulnerable groups to serious flu infections, often referred to as “super flu”, a risk also echoed by global health authorities.
While most influenza cases in Indonesia and worldwide are mild and can be treated with standard symptomatic medication, Tjandra said people in high-risk categories require special attention and may need antiviral treatment if symptoms become severe.
“Most flu cases are indeed mild and can be effectively managed with symptomatic drugs. However, for severe cases and patients in high-risk groups, the use of antiviral medication should be considered,” Tjandra said in a written statement on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Tjandra, a former Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, said the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends antiviral treatment for patients with severe influenza and those at higher risk of complications.
These groups include pregnant women, children under six, adults aged over 65, patients with chronic illnesses, individuals undergoing chemotherapy, and people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV.
He explained that influenza infections tend to worsen more rapidly among vulnerable populations. In pregnant women, the virus can affect both maternal health and fetal development. In young children and older adults, influenza can progress to pneumonia or other potentially life-threatening complications.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also emphasized that antiviral flu medications are available only by prescription and are most effective when taken within one to two days of symptom onset. These medications help reduce symptom severity and shorten the duration of illness.
“The CDC recommends antivirals for hospitalized flu patients, those with severe illness, and individuals at high risk, including pregnant women and patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, or heart disease,” Tjandra said.
According to the CDC’s latest update in November 2025, four influenza antiviral drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): oseltamivir phosphate, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil.
Oseltamivir is available in pill and liquid forms and can be used across various age groups. Zanamivir is administered via inhalation but is not recommended for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Peramivir is given intravenously, while baloxavir is available as a single-dose oral medication, including for children aged five and older.
Tjandra added that baloxavir may also be used for post-exposure prevention after suspected contact with an influenza patient. However, he emphasized that antiviral use must be based on proper medical assessment.
“The key message is that vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, young children, and the elderly should not underestimate influenza. If symptoms become severe or worsen, they should seek medical attention immediately,” he said.
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