55 Percent Increase In Influenza, UGM Experts Remind The Importance Of Vaccination

JAKARTA - In the last few weeks, the number of influenza sufferers has increased significantly. Based on a report from the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) as of October 9, 2025, the number of positive influenza cases in the 40th week was recorded to have increased by 55 percent.

Professor Tri Wibawa, Ph.D., Sp.MK(K) as Professor of Clinical Microbiology from UGM explained that the increase in community activities after the COVID-19 pandemic and changing seasons contributed to the spread of this virus, thereby increasing the possibility of influenza transmission.

He explained that influenza viruses need to be watched out for because they have the ability to evolve very quickly, either through mutations, recombination, or mixing of genetic matter between subtypes.

This condition can lead to the emergence of new variants which ultimately reduce the level of community immune protection formed from vaccines and previous infections.

"The decrease in the effectiveness of immunity occurs through a mechanism known as antigenic drift and antigenic shift," he said, quoted from the official UGM website.

Tri also said that the government needs to tighten preventive measures through increasing epidemiological monitoring, expanding access and coverage of influenza vaccinations, especially for vulnerable groups, and intensively providing education about clean and healthy living behavior to the community.

He added that each individual's immune response varies, depending on the ability of the body to recognize the virus that has entered before.

However, the influenza variant currently circulating is quite different, the body may not immediately recognize it so that the immune response becomes late and does not provide optimal protection.

"The effect of this protection is in the form of avoiding disease, or if there are symptoms that are not too severe," he explained.

Tri emphasized that influenza vaccine updates need to be carried out regularly every season based on global monitoring of the virus in circulation. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and individuals with comorbidities, must get special attention in prevention efforts.

"Education and socialization of the public through various media to avoid hoax news, increase access to vaccines, especially for vulnerable groups, encourage public participation in vaccination through community leaders, improve the reporting system for influenza diseases, and implement clean and healthy living behavior," he explained.

In addition, he advised the public to apply personal protection measures, such as avoiding close contact with individuals who show flu symptoms, wearing masks when sick so as not to infect others and maintain coughing ethics and sneezing.

"Keep your immune system by consuming balanced nutritious food such as vegetables, fruit, and protein. Just sleep and manage stress, and exercise regularly to maintain fitness." he concluded.