Alert, Weather Can Affect The Spread Of The RSV Virus

Illustration of the rainy atmosphere (pexel)

JAKARTA - The weather can have a major impact on the occurrence of a disease, one of which is a disease due to infection with the Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV). RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms such as colds, but can have a worse impact if experienced by infants and the elderly.

In Indonesia, which only has two seasons, namely the dry season and the rainy season, the spread of RSV can occur throughout these two seasons. This was conveyed by an internal medicine specialist, dr. Robert Sinto, Sp.PD, K-PTI, DPhil, FINASIM, FHEA.

"So theoretically I will answer yes, he (weather) has an effect. In Indonesia, RSV can be long term, there is always time," said Doctor Robert, when met in the Sudirman area, Jakarta, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Meanwhile, based on research conducted abroad using four-season components, RSV's ability to transmit will increase when the weather becomes colder.

When the weather is cold, the body's immunity undergoes a natural change, which tends to decrease. In addition, people's behavior during winter also tends to change.

Starting from more likes to gather in the same room, not opening a window, which encourages air circulation not to be optimal. This can cause the condition of the room to moisturize, which makes it easier to spread the virus.

"So the virus is easier to bear children too. This is what causes that season to greatly affect the spread of infection," he said.

Based on the study, Doctor Robert, said that the results were not much different from the spread of RSV in Indonesia if it was related to the weather. However, the difference is that there is a possibility that the pattern of virus spread in Indonesia is more irregular when compared to the four seasons.