Influenza A Cases on the Rise: How It Differs from the Common Cold

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has spoken out about cases of influenza, including Influenza A, which have recently been widely reported in a number of regions. Budi said the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) is continuously monitoring influenza developments through a number of sentinel points.

“There has been an increase in influenza, which we always monitor. I heard there were some in East Java, at several points where cases have risen somewhat,” Budi said when met after the 4th Indonesia Health Partners Meeting (IHPM) in Jakarta on Tuesday (15/9/2026).

Budi said he had asked the ministry’s Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control (P2) to look further into the regions experiencing an increase in influenza cases.

“I have indeed asked our colleagues at P2 to see which regions in particular. Because it is contagious,” he said.

Budi stated that the Influenza A currently being found is not the same as the type of influenza that previously drew concern because of its risk of causing severe disease, such as the H5 subtype of the influenza A virus associated with bird flu.

“But with this Influenza A, it is not the deadly influenza. What we fear is the H5 one, like the bird flu outbreak that happened before,” Budi said.

He added that the ministry is still examining how influenza cases are being handled in the regions that have seen increases.

“I am looking at whether the handling there is good or not. So actually, with standard protection it should be manageable,” he said.

Doctors Finding Many Patients Positive for Influenza

Pulmonary and respiratory specialist Dr Harman Prayitno Sp.P said that over the past week he has been treating many patients with complaints of cough, fever and headaches.

“Over the past week, I have indeed been treating many patients with cough symptoms, accompanied by fever and headaches. When checked, their swab results showed positive influenza, whether Influenza A or Influenza B,” Harman said, as quoted from his Threads account @dr.harmanprayitno.paru.onko.

Harman explained that, in theory, Influenza A generally causes more severe symptoms than Influenza B. However, the severity is not determined solely by the type.

He has even found patients with Influenza B who experienced severe symptoms that developed into pneumonia, a lung infection.

“In theory, the symptoms of Influenza A are indeed more severe than Influenza B. However, recently I encountered a patient with Influenza B whose symptoms were severe, to the point of pneumonia,” he said.

Harman said that to date there are still patients from the emergency department (IGD) who have been consulted with positive influenza results and pneumonia.

Influenza is generally characterised by high fever that can reach 40 degrees Celsius, cough, body aches, severe headache, runny nose and sore throat. The symptoms also tend to appear suddenly.

“Unlike the common cold, influenza symptoms are far more severe. They are more similar to the Covid symptoms we saw before,” Harman said.

He reminded the public that severe influenza can lead to lung infection or pneumonia. People experiencing symptoms can take initial steps by resting, maintaining fluid intake and taking medication according to their symptoms.

An examination at a health facility is necessary, especially if the condition worsens. Harman also advised the public to wear masks again in public places, keep their distance from people who are coughing, avoid crowds and wash their hands regularly.

“If you are not feeling well, it is best to just stay at home,” he said.

Influenza A Is Different from the Common Cold

Quoting information from the Ministry of Health, influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, from the nose and throat to the lungs. Influenza can be caused by type A, B and C influenza viruses.

Influenza A is the type most often associated with epidemics and has a number of subtypes, including H1N1 and H3N2. Meanwhile, Influenza B generally causes more localised outbreaks.

The disease requires special attention in vulnerable groups, including infants and toddlers, as it can cause serious complications. Symptoms of influenza include sudden high fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.

In some cases, vomiting and diarrhoea may also occur. The Ministry of Health said influenza in infants and toddlers can develop into a number of complications, ranging from pneumonia, bronchiolitis, muscle inflammation, encephalitis or brain inflammation, to heart complications.

Prevention can be achieved through annual influenza vaccination, avoiding contact with sufferers, regular handwashing with soap, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.