Ministry of Health: Super Flu Trend Decreases Entering Early 2026

Illustration of a sample of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K. ANTARA/HO-Ministry of Health (Kemenkes)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has confirmed that the situation of influenza A (H3N2) subclade K or super flu in Indonesia is under control, although this subclade has been detected in 13 provinces, the trend of influenza cases nationwide shows a decrease at the beginning of 2026.

The Ministry of Health data recorded that from January 1, 2025 to January 10, 2026 there were 74 cases of subclade K out of a total of 204 influenza A(H3N2) specimens examined, with the most findings in East Java and South Kalimantan. The peak of cases occurred in week 40 of 2025 and has continued to decline since week 44. There has been no addition of A(H3N2) subclade K cases since week 52.

Director of Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Prima Yosephine, said the H3N2 influenza virus is not a new virus and is part of the seasonal influenza that circulates every year.

"H3N2 is part of seasonal influenza. In mid-January 2025, H3N2 subclade K has been reported in 80 countries, including Indonesia with the first case detected in M36. However, based on monitoring results, the trend of influenza cases in Indonesia has decreased, so people do not need to panic," he said as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 20.

Most influenza patients experience mild to moderate symptoms and can recover on their own. Severe cases generally occur in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and individuals with comorbidities.

Prima explained that reports of death in influenza patients are generally related to comorbid conditions that aggravate the underlying disease. In this high-risk condition, infection from both viruses and bacteria can be a trigger that worsens the unstable comorbidity.

"Influenza is not always the main cause of death, but it can be a trigger that worsens an already unstable health condition, especially in elderly patients with comorbidities," he said.

His party continues to carry out influenza surveillance at health facilities, hospitals and country entrances, including laboratory examinations and virus genome analysis, to ensure that there are no significant changes in the virus's character.

He appealed to the public to continue to apply clean and healthy living behaviors, use masks when sick, including vulnerable groups, such as people with comorbidities or the elderly, and immediately consult a health facility if experiencing severe symptoms. "Annual influenza vaccination, especially for high-risk groups, is also recommended as a preventive measure," he said.