CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta - Super flu has become a trending topic from late 2025 to early 2026. For those who are not familiar, super flu is an influenza disease caused by the influenza A H3N2 subclade K virus.
Health expert Tjandra Yoga Aditama stated that the virus is not a new type, but rather a variant of influenza that has existed for some time and is now causing a surge in cases in various countries.
Let's explore some other facts about the super flu.
1. Super Flu Cases Increase in America and Japan
Tjandra explained that the increase in flu cases in Japan, Canada, and the United States since October was triggered by the H3N2 virus. He said that the subclade K variant has undergone at least seven mutations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated since November 2025 that this virus spreads rapidly and dominates in several countries in the northern hemisphere.
"The latest data from the United States as of December 30, 2025, shows that influenza activity is categorized as high to very high in 32 states, up from 17 states the previous week," Tjandra said when contacted on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded a significant increase in the number of influenza patients admitted to hospitals, reaching 19,053 people, with approximately 3,100 deaths during this flu season. "The majority of flu cases are caused by the H3N2 virus, with subclade K also being a likely culprit," Tjandra said.
2. Ministry of Health: Super Flu Cases in Indonesia Still Under Control
The Director of Infectious Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Prima Yosephine, stated that surveillance results show that influenza A(H3) is currently the dominant virus variant, but the trend of influenza cases in Indonesia has been decreasing in the past two months.
Based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) completed on December 25, 2025, Prima explained that the subclade K virus in Indonesia had been detected since August 2025 through ILI-SARI sentinel surveillance systems in various health care facilities.
She stated that a total of 843 positive influenza specimens were examined, with 348 samples undergoing WGS. The results showed that all detected variants were known viruses that had been circulating globally in the WHO surveillance system.
As of the end of December, Prima added, 62 cases of super flu had been found in Indonesia. These cases were spread across eight provinces, with the highest number in East Java, South Kalimantan, and West Java. "The majority of cases occurred in women and the pediatric age group," Prima said in a written statement on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Globally, Prima explained that an increase in influenza A(H3) cases began to be observed in the United States from week 40 of 2025, coinciding with the onset of winter. The subclade K was first identified by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in August 2025 and has since been reported to have spread to more than 80 countries.
Meanwhile, in the Asian region, the subclade K virus phenomenon was found from July 2025. Several countries that were noted to have experienced an increase in super flu cases include China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. However, the trend of influenza cases in these countries has shown a decline in the past two months.
3. Symptoms of Super Flu
Based on WHO research and available epidemiological data, Prima explained that the symptoms of super flu that arise are almost similar to regular seasonal flu. "Such as fever, cough, runny nose, headache, and sore throat," she clarified.
4. Pregnant Women and Toddlers Vulnerable to Super Flu Exposure
Tjandra also warned that pregnant women, toddlers, and the elderly are the most vulnerable to super flu infection. Although most flu cases are mild, high-risk groups require special attention and care.
"Most cases of flu are indeed mild and can be managed with symptomatic drugs. However, for severe flu and high-risk groups, antiviral drugs need to be considered," Tjandra said in a written statement quoted on Monday, January 5, 2026.
According to the former Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the administration of antiviral drugs for severe flu patients and those at risk of serious complications. This group includes pregnant women, children under six years old, individuals over 65 years old, chronic disease patients, chemotherapy patients, and individuals with weakened immune systems such as HIV-infected individuals.
Tjandra explained that vulnerable groups are more likely to experience a deterioration in their condition if infected with influenza. In pregnant women, flu can affect not only the mother's health but also the fetus. Meanwhile, in toddlers and the elderly, flu infections are at risk of developing into pneumonia or other life-threatening complications.
5. Prevention
Tjandra urged the public to understand the risk of this flu proportionally and not to panic. Tjandra suggested that individuals experiencing flu symptoms should maintain their condition, wear a mask to avoid transmitting the virus to others, and get enough rest.
"If the illness worsens, it is advisable to seek medical assistance," she said.
Prima also explained that the Ministry of Health encourages the public to adopt a clean and healthy lifestyle, always maintain their immune system, and receive annual influenza vaccinations, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying diseases.
According to Prima, vaccines continue to be effective in preventing complications from the flu virus. "Influenza vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death," Prima said.
She stated that the Ministry of Health will continue to strengthen surveillance, reporting, and preparedness to respond to the dynamics of the influenza situation.
6. Treatment as Prescribed by a Doctor
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States emphasized that flu antiviral drugs can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. These drugs serve to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness, especially when taken within one to two days of symptom onset.
"The CDC recommends antivirals for flu patients treated in hospitals, patients with very severe flu, and high-risk groups such as pregnant women, asthma patients, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, diabetes patients, or heart disease patients," Tjandra said.
In the CDC's latest publication in November 2025, four influenza antiviral drugs had been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These include oseltamivir phosphate, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil.
Oseltamivir is available in pill or liquid form and can be used in various age groups. Zanamivir is in the form of inhalation powder, but it is not recommended for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Meanwhile, peramivir is administered through intravenous injection, and baloxavir is in the form of a single-dose pill, also suitable for children aged five and above.
Baloxavir, Tjandra added, can also be used for post-exposure prevention, given after someone is suspected of being exposed to a flu patient. However, she emphasized that the use of antivirals should still be based on medical indications.
"The main message is that vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, toddlers, and the elderly should not underestimate the flu. If the symptoms are severe or worsen, seek medical help immediately," she concluded.
DINDA SHABRINA | DEDE LENI MARDIANTI
Read: "Super Flu" in Indonesia: 7 Key Facts About the H3N2 Subclade K Virus
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