The Danger of Comorbidity, Type A Influenza is Dangerous in Children

Illustration of influenza (Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The Chairman of the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) Dr. Piprim Basarah Yaniarso Sp.A(K) said that the rainy season and floods can increase the incidence of transmission of influenza type A which is very dangerous in children who have accompanying diseases or comorbidities that have been experienced.

"Children with comorbidities like this, if they are infected with the new type of influenza A, of course, will have more serious consequences than children without comorbidities," said Piprim in a discussion event "Recognizing and being aware of superflu" which was followed online in Jakarta, Monday.

He said that the comorbid diseases in children include asthma, chronic heart and lung diseases, and children with lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic syndromes.

Influenza type A disease, which is widely circulated as a superflu, is part of the influenza subclade K which is reported to be somewhat difficult to recognize and can penetrate the already formed immunity.

To strengthen the body's defense, especially in children, Piprim reminded that giving influenza immunization starting at six months and in general in adults is very important to protect children with comorbidities who have not received immunization, especially to prevent fatal events.

"For babies who have not reached the age of 6 months, they can be given influenza to their mother while pregnant. I also think it is important to be able to protect young babies, especially premature babies, they can be protected by immunization in pregnant mothers," he said.

In addition, which is no less important in preventing the transmission of the disease is to carry out PHBS or clean and healthy living behaviors. Piprim said that the habit of washing hands cleanly during the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing masks when sick, avoiding crowds when sick, can be done during the rainy season.

Providing adequate nutrition and efforts to prevent comorbidities in children, are also one of the things that can be done to help relieve the severity of symptoms if exposed to this type of influenza.