Jakarta, ThedailyID — North Sumatra has recorded 27 cases of Influenza A since August 2026. However, health officials said the cases are part of seasonal influenza rather than a new pandemic.
The cases came from two Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) sentinel surveillance sites. They include Teladan Community Health Center in Medan and Amri Tambunan Hospital in Deli Serdang.
North Sumatra Health Office official Dr. Nora Nasution said three cases were detected in August. Another 18 cases were recorded in September based on available sentinel surveillance data.
However, the figures do not represent all Influenza A cases across North Sumatra. Sentinel testing only covers selected locations because of limited funding and logistical resources.
Patients tested at the two facilities generally came from surrounding areas. Teladan Community Health Center serves people in Medan, while Amri Tambunan Hospital covers the Deli Serdang area.
Nora said influenza symptoms can resemble COVID-19. Both illnesses can cause fever and respiratory problems, although their severity can vary between patients.
Seasonal influenza usually occurs every year. Changes in weather, including alternating hot and rainy conditions, can also contribute to increased respiratory infections.
Nora urged the public not to panic. However, she said people should remain alert to any significant increase in cases.
Children, especially toddlers, older adults, and pregnant women are among the groups more vulnerable to influenza. Based on North Sumatra’s current sentinel data, children and older adults account for many of the detected cases.
So far, no deaths have been reported among the patients detected through the ILI surveillance sites.
Seasonal influenza can sometimes resolve without specific treatment, particularly in people with strong immune systems. However, underlying conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can increase the risk of more severe infection among older adults.
The Health Office advised people to stay hydrated and eat nutritious food. Anyone experiencing fever or other symptoms should seek treatment based on their condition and follow advice from healthcare professionals.
The increased attention to influenza is also part of a wider surveillance effort. Indonesia’s Health Ministry has asked regional health authorities to strengthen monitoring and detection of influenza viruses.
The goal is to identify changes in circulating influenza viruses early. This could help authorities detect viruses that may have the potential to cause unusual outbreaks or a pandemic.
Nora said the COVID-19 pandemic provided an important lesson for respiratory disease surveillance. North Sumatra is therefore continuing to use its sentinel network to identify circulating influenza types.
The two sentinel sites can help determine whether detected viruses belong to Influenza A or Influenza B. Further testing is required to identify specific subtypes, with specimens sent to Jakarta because they require different reagents and laboratory facilities.
To reduce transmission, health officials advised people who are sick to wear masks and limit contact with others during the infectious period.
People should also wash their hands with soap and running water, maintain a nutritious diet, drink enough fluids, and exercise regularly.
Influenza vaccination can also provide another prevention option. Nora said vaccines are available at clinics and hospitals that offer vaccination services.
She added that influenza vaccines need regular updates because protection should be renewed each year. Available vaccines can cover either three or four influenza strains.
