JAKARTA - Influenza is still often considered a mild disease that is just a cough, cold, and fever that will heal itself. In fact, in children, this infection can develop into a much more serious condition.
Unlike adults, children's immune systems, especially infants and toddlers, are not yet perfectly formed. This is what makes them more vulnerable to complications when exposed to viruses, including the influenza virus which can attack quickly and spread to vital organs.
This case was also handled by Dr. Kanya Ayu, Sp.A., a pediatric specialist in a hospital's treatment room.
The doctor, who is also active in educating parents on social media, also said that not a few children's patients come with early symptoms that seem common, but then develop into severe conditions.
"The severe cases of influenza that I have handled are usually characterized by symptoms such as fever, usually treated with pneumonia. So the symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath until oxygen deficiency, must be assisted with oxygen," he said in a media discussion entitled "Proper Protection for a Great Family" which was held by Kalventis in Jakarta, Thursday, April 23, 2026.
In such conditions, doctors can no longer consider it a mild infection. Influenza is one of the causes that must be considered.
To ensure the condition, a swab test is carried out, and not infrequently the results show that the severe lung infection is indeed caused by the influenza virus.
Doctor Kanya also highlighted the number of cases that had increased, especially at the end of 2025. Many children experience severe lung infections due to influenza.
Some patients who come in critical condition must be immediately treated in the ICU, even though the treatment is under the intensive care team.
"So far, I have found many cases of pneumonia that have to use oxygen, masks, and after being swabbed it turns out to be true influenza," he added.
Influenza can be fatal.The view that influenza can be dangerous is also emphasized by Prof. Dr. Soedjatmiko, Sp.A(K), M.Si. or who is familiarly called Prof. Miko.
He reminded that influenza is not a new disease, and its impact has been very large in history. In the 1918 Influenza Pandemic, the world lost tens of millions of lives due to this virus.
According to Prof. Miko, influenza type A and B viruses can cause severe illness and even death, especially in vulnerable groups such as infants, toddlers, children, the elderly, and individuals with comorbidities. This infection does not stop at the respiratory tract.
In severe conditions, the virus can attack the lungs to cause pneumonia, spread to the heart and disrupt the heart muscle, even reaching the brain and triggering brain inflammation.
The symptoms also develop gradually. Starting with fever, which can be high if the infection is severe, then there is a feeling of weakness, muscle pain, loss of appetite, to shortness of breath if the lungs are affected. This is what distinguishes influenza from the common cold, which is generally caused by other viruses such as rhinovirus and tends to be milder.
Even though it is not always exposed to the public, severe cases of influenza in children are not uncommon. Prof. Miko said from the data of several hospitals in Indonesia reported to the Ministry of Health, quite a lot of influenza patients had to be treated in the ICU. This fact confirms that influenza is not just a seasonal disease that can be ignored.
Proper protection for the little oneWith children's busy activities at school, playing, and interacting, influenza often spreads without being noticed. Globally, influenza cases in children reach 20-30 percent, even higher than adults.
In West Java alone, the 2023 ILI surveillance data shows that the most cases occur in children aged 5-15 years, the group that is most active and exposed.
Doctor Kanya said that children are not only vulnerable to infection, but also play a major role in transmission.
"The contagiousness of children is high, and the virus can survive longer in their bodies. Children can even transmit before symptoms appear or after recovery," he explained. This means that without realizing it, children can be a source of transmission in the home and the surrounding environment.
What needs to be watched out for, influenza in children is not always mild. The complications can be serious, ranging from pneumonia, ear infections, sinuses, to encephalitis. In fact, the hospitalization rate in preschool children is equivalent to the age group of 50 to 64 years, indicating the magnitude of the impact of this disease.
Therefore, annual influenza vaccination is an important step. Immunization can be given from the age of 6 months, with two initial doses for children up to 8 years of age, then continued every year. For children over 9 years of age, one initial dose and the next annual vaccine are enough.
Trivalent influenza vaccines are present as protection that adapts to the virus that continues to mutate. With regular vaccination, the risk of severe infection and transmission can be suppressed, while protecting other family members, especially the elderly.
This effort is also supported by various parties, including Kalventis together with Kalbe Farma which presents vaccines based on global recommendations and encourages education and access to vaccination services.
"Trivalent influenza vaccines are important to prevent worsening of the disease, the risk of hospitalization, and death," said Vidi Agiorno, President Director of PT Kalventis Sinergi Farma on the same occasion.
Furthermore, the story from the presentation of Dr. Kanya in the children's treatment room and the existing medical data gives a clear message that influenza is not a disease that can be considered trivial.
Parental awareness to recognize risks, understand the importance of vaccination, and take preventive measures early on is the key to protecting children.
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