Until early 2026, the influenza A (H3N2) subclade K virus, often called super flu, has been found in a number of regions in Indonesia, with children and women dominating the number of sufferers.
Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health show that, as of Sunday, January 4th, there have been 62 cases of super flu infection in Indonesia. These cases are spread across eight provinces, with the highest concentrations reported in East Java, South Kalimantan, and West Java.
The characteristics of this case distribution highlight the importance of early prevention measures, especially within families and schools, to break the chain of transmission, which has the potential to spread rapidly.
Dr Nastiti Kaswandani, SpA, SubspRespi(K), a member of the Respirology Coordination Unit of the Indonesian Paediatrician Association (Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia, or IDAI), explained that there are several concrete steps parents can take to prevent their children from contracting super flu. The key, she said, is consistently practising clean and healthy living habits.
“The best prevention is practising clean and healthy living habits, wearing masks, washing hands regularly, maintaining distance from sick people, and immunising toddlers with influenza,” said Kaswandani, as quoted by the press, on Sunday.
Kaswandani also recommends routine influenza vaccination for children. Although subclade K is said to have a higher transmission rate, currently available influenza vaccines are still effective in reducing the risk of infection and lessening the severity of symptoms.
“The influenza vaccine is recommended starting at 6 months of age. The first dose is given twice with a four-week interval, followed by one dose annually,” she added.
Quoted from Halodoc, the main difference between the common, seasonal flu and super flu lies in the severity of the symptoms. While the common cold generally only causes a mild fever and a runny nose, influenza A subclade K exhibits more dominant clinical manifestations:
- Very high fever: The sufferer’s body temperature can spike sharply between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius. This is much higher than the common cold, which averages 37–38.5 degrees Celsius;
- Severe muscle aches: The sufferer will experience extremely disturbing joint and muscle pain, leading to extreme weakness (lethargy);
- Severe headache: A headache that is more intense than a typical headache;
- Throat discomfort and cough: A sharp sore throat accompanied by a persistent dry cough.
The combination of a high fever above 39 degrees Celsius and extreme weakness is a major warning sign that the sufferer may indeed have been exposed to this super flu variant and, therefore, requires immediate medical attention.