UNS — Recently, the term “super flu” has been widely discussed due to the rising wave of seasonal influenza cases caused by the Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K variant in various countries, including Indonesia. Although the name sounds alarming, it is not the official name of a new disease or a new virus, but rather a popular term referring to the recent rapid spread of influenza.
Pulmonology Specialist at Universitas Sebelas Maret Hospital (RS UNS), dr. Brigitta Devi Anindita Hapsari, Sp.P. (K), explained that super flu can be prevented through the consistent implementation of healthy living habits. However, before discussing preventive measures, it is important to first understand what super flu actually is, including its characteristics, symptoms, and risk factors, so that prevention efforts can be carried out accurately and effectively.
The variant referred to as super flu belongs to the Influenza A H3N2 virus family, which has long been recognized and monitored by global surveillance systems such as the World Health Organization (WHO). According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, the first detection of super flu in Indonesia occurred in August 2025 through the ILI-SARI surveillance system and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).
By the end of December 2025, there were 62 recorded cases of Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K across eight provinces. The provinces with the highest number of cases were East Java, South Kalimantan, and West Java. Other reports noted that the majority of cases were found among children and women. However, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the situation remains under control and does not show significantly greater severity compared to regular seasonal influenza.
dr. Brigitta explained that the term “super flu” became popular because of several characteristics that attracted public attention. These include its very rapid transmission, especially during certain seasons, and the dominance of the H3N2 subclade K variant, which has made seasonal influenza trends feel more intense in several regions.
In addition, the simultaneous increase in cases across many countries has raised global concerns. Nevertheless, based on the assessment of the WHO and available epidemiological data, this variant has not been proven to be significantly more severe than previously circulating seasonal influenza.
Super flu, or Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K, generally causes symptoms similar to common seasonal flu. These symptoms include high fever, cough and runny nose, sore throat, headaches accompanied by muscle pain, and general body weakness.
These complaints usually appear gradually within a few days after exposure to the virus. Clinically, doctors cannot distinguish super flu from ordinary seasonal influenza based on physical symptoms alone, as the manifestations are very similar.
“Influenza viruses mainly spread through droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the face, nose, or mouth,” explained dr. Brigitta on Monday (12/1/2026).
The groups most at risk of infection and serious complications from super flu include children, especially toddlers, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or kidney disorders.
In addition, individuals with weakened immune systems or immune disorders also face higher risks because their bodies are less capable of fighting infection effectively. Therefore, these vulnerable groups require special attention through preventive measures, health monitoring, and early medical treatment.
Although the current situation is still considered under control, the Ministry of Health and health authorities continue to urge the public to follow several important preventive steps.
Annual influenza vaccination remains highly recommended, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions, because vaccines can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
In addition, the public is encouraged to practice Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS), including washing hands regularly with soap, maintaining proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, wearing masks when flu symptoms appear, and avoiding touching the face with unclean hands.
Prevention efforts should also be supported by getting enough rest and consuming balanced nutrition to maintain a strong immune system. If someone experiences fever or cough, they are advised to stay at home and avoid crowds until they recover, as this is a simple yet effective step to reduce the risk of transmission.
“Immediately contact healthcare facilities if symptoms become more severe, such as shortness of breath or signs of pneumonia,” said dr. Brigitta.
