Influenza A Case Increases, Puan Maharani Reminds The Government Not To Be Careless

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, reminded the government to strengthen the national health system in the midst of a surge in cases of influenza A. This condition should not be taken seriously.

The spike in Influenza A cases shows that we must not be careless. If it is not handled seriously, this could burden health facilities and threaten the safety of the public at large," said Puan in a written statement, Saturday, October 18.

A strategic response must also be prepared by the government. Moreover, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has mentioned a spike in cases of influenza A, especially subtype H3N2, starting to dominate the Southeast Asia region.

"Strengthening the early alert system in all health facilities from the puskesmas to the hospital level is a must. We must ensure detection and quick response so that the handling is carried out effectively and on target," said the chairman of the PDI-P (PDIP) DPP.

Then, education about health protocols must be provided. Including, Puan said, asking vulnerable groups to carry out influenza vaccines.

"People must continue to be reminded of the importance of clean and healthy living behavior, such as wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining good air circulation, and vaccinating influenza when vaccines are available," he said.

This vaccine is important because clinical studies show influenza A is the dominant cause for adult patients being treated for acute respiratory infection (ARI). The time is also longer, which is an average of 9 to 10 days compared to exposure to other viruses.

This is because patients with influenza A tend to experience longer fever, prolonged cough, and complications such as secondary pneumonia that make the hospitalization period longer.

"Moreover, small children and the elderly are reported to be the most vulnerable groups to severe infections due to influenza A. So the national health system must be strengthened so that people can get health services that are fast and right when infected with the disease," he said.

"The government can strengthen by vaccinating flu to high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with congenital diseases," he continued.

The spread of influenza A, also called Puan, could be a moment to strengthen the national health system sector.

"Our health system must be ready to face seasonal diseases such as influenza which are often taken lightly, but can actually have a serious impact if ignored," he concluded.