Jakarta, ThedailyID — Influenza cases in Indonesia have increased in September 2026. The Health Ministry says the rise follows the country’s usual seasonal influenza pattern.
The seasonal increase typically starts around September and continues toward the end of the year. The same pattern has appeared in Indonesia in previous years.
Health Ministry Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control Andi Saguni said influenza is a seasonal illness. He said the recent increase therefore follows an established pattern.
“If we look at 2024, 2025 and 2026, influenza is seasonal. It usually increases from around September until the end of the year,” Saguni said on Monday, September 28.
The pattern also appears in several ASEAN countries. Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand have reported similar seasonal increases.
Globally, influenza A H1N1 PDM09 was the most widely circulating subtype in 2026, according to Saguni. The same subtype currently dominates influenza cases in Indonesia.
Indonesia has also recorded an increase through its Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) sentinel surveillance system. In the 38th week of 2026, the influenza positivity rate reached 56 percent.
Previous years also showed seasonal increases. In 2023, the positivity rate reached 68 percent during the seasonal period.
Saguni said the upward trend could ease after the seasonal peak. Based on previous patterns, the decline usually starts around weeks 39 or 40.
The Health Ministry is also monitoring hospitals to assess whether the increase affects bed occupancy. Officials have sent teams to hospitals to monitor the situation directly.
Influenza can affect anyone, but some groups face a higher risk of severe illness. These include children under five, older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
Pediatric infectious disease specialist and clinical epidemiologist Mulya Rahma Karyanti shared several ways to reduce influenza transmission among children.
1. Wear a Mask When Sick
Family members with coughs or colds should wear masks when they are near children. This is especially important for adults and older family members.
Influenza can spread through respiratory droplets. Wearing a mask can therefore help reduce transmission around children.
2. Separate Eating and Drinking Utensils
Children should use separate glasses, spoons and plates from family members who are sick. This can help reduce the risk of spreading infection within the household.
3. Make Sure Children Get Proper Nutrition
Children should receive balanced meals containing carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. Adequate nutrition helps meet their daily nutritional needs.
4. Let Sick Children Rest at Home
Children with coughs and colds should rest at home rather than attend school. Staying home can reduce the risk of spreading influenza to other children.
5. Teach Proper Cough Etiquette
Children should learn to cover their mouth and nose with the inside of their elbow when coughing or sneezing. This can reduce the spread of respiratory droplets through their hands.
6. Consider Influenza Vaccination
Influenza vaccination can be given to children starting at six months of age. Vaccination should then follow the recommended schedule.
7. Oseltamivir for High-Risk Children
Doctors may consider oseltamivir for children confirmed to have influenza, particularly those at high risk of complications.
This includes children with conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, severe asthma or weakened immune systems.
