Surabaya. Indonesia is seeing a rise in influenza activity, but Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said detections of the Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K dubbed “superflu” on social media are lower this year than in 2025.

The Health Ministry recorded an influenza positivity rate of 56% in its sentinel surveillance during the 38th week of 2026. Despite the increase, the ministry said influenza activity remains within the medium range nationally and has not reached a worrying level.

“There is indeed an increase in influenza cases, particularly in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. But based on the surveillance data we have, the situation is still within the medium range,” Budi said.

“Therefore, what we are doing is strengthening surveillance and preparedness so that developments in cases can continue to be monitored,” he added.

‘Superflu’ Label Not Official

The H3N2 subclade K has attracted growing public attention in Indonesia under the label “superflu.” However, the Ministry said the term is not an official designation used by the World Health Organization or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the subclade.

Budi urged the public to distinguish between terminology circulating online and findings from laboratory testing and disease surveillance.

“For what is being called ‘superflu’ or H3N2 subclade K, the data we are monitoring actually show that the number of detections this year is lower than last year,” he said.

Sentinel surveillance for influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection recorded 188 H3N2 subclade K detections from 2025 through the 38th week of 2026. Of those, 166 were recorded in 2025 and 22 in 2026.

The ministry continues to monitor the subclade through a sentinel surveillance network involving community health centers, hospitals, laboratories and health quarantine centers.

Influenza A Is Not COVID-19, but Symptoms Can Be Similar

Dr. Martha Siahaan, acting director of the Ministry of Health Hospital in Surabaya, said Influenza A can affect people of any age. She said people with underlying conditions that can affect the immune system may face greater risks from infection.

“Influenza A affects people of all ages; it’s a highly contagious virus, so it’s clear that we need to strengthen our immune systems,” Martha said on the sidelines of a World Heart Day event in Surabaya on Sunday.

She advised the public to get adequate rest, eat nutritious food, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly.

Martha also said public concern over Influenza A has been heightened by similarities between its symptoms and those of COVID-19.

The two are different viral diseases, although they can produce similar symptoms. Martha said chills and fever can occur early in influenza, while loss of smell and taste has been associated with COVID-19.

“COVID-19 and Influenza A are both viral, but they’re different. The symptoms are indeed almost similar,” she said.

She cautioned against diagnosing an illness based solely on symptoms and recommended medical evaluation when symptoms develop.

Most influenza cases can recover with supportive care and do not require hospitalization, according to the Ministry of Health. Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir are not intended for all influenza patients.

Budi said experts recommend limiting oseltamivir to patients with severe illness or those with underlying conditions who require antiviral treatment.

“Oseltamivir must be used appropriately. Based on input from experts, the drug should be used selectively for patients with severe illness or those with comorbidities who specifically require antiviral treatment,” Budi said.

He said excessive use of antivirals could increase the risk of drug resistance, potentially limiting treatment options during a more severe influenza outbreak.

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