January 7, 2026 | 06:46 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the "super flu" virus is a weak variant and does not cause death. He mentioned that a strong immune system, sufficient nutrition, and enough rest effectively fend off the virus.
"If our immune system is strong, with sufficient food, enough sleep, and adequate exercise, God willing, if a weak virus like this super flu enters, we can recover," Budi said during a press conference at the Graha BNPB Office, Jakarta, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
The former Bank Mandiri President Director explained that the super flu is not a new disease. The virus is a common influenza variant caused by the A H3N2 strain, which later produced a new variant known as subclade K.
Budi compared the development of the super flu virus to the mutation of the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 produced several variants, including Omicron, Delta, Beta, and Alpha.
"So, actually, this is the H3N2 virus. Its popular name is influenza A. It has been around for a long time; we have seen it for decades. Then it produced a new variant, known as subclade K," Budi said.
The super flu virus spreads rapidly, though its death rate remains very low. The virus typically spikes during winter in European countries. In Indonesia, Budi noted that super flu detection remains low. "It's still in the tens and not severe. It means it can be treated with regular medication," he said.
The Health Ministry conducted whole genome sequencing (WGS) testing, completed on December 25, 2025. In total, 843 positive influenza specimens were examined, with 348 samples undergoing WGS testing. Results showed all detected variants were known viruses circulating globally in the WHO surveillance system.
By late December, the Health Ministry found 62 super flu cases in Indonesia. Cases were identified across eight provinces, with the highest counts in East Java, South Kalimantan, and West Java.
Head of the Ministry of Health's Communication Bureau, Aji Mulawarman, said the 62 super flu survivors have recovered. "They're all healthy now. So no one is seriously ill, no one has died, and their conditions are back to normal," he said on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
Read: Indonesia Health Expert Warns Toddlers, Elderly Most Vulnerable to 'Super Flu'
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Health Expert Warns Toddlers, Elderly Most Vulnerable to 'Super Flu'
2 hari lalu
Most flu cases in Indonesia and worldwide are mild, but high-risk groups may need antiviral treatment if symptoms worsen, health expert said.
Super Flu Alert: How It Spreads, Symptoms, and Prevention
2 hari lalu
An article about the attention surrounding the super flu due to the influenza A H3N2 subclade K. Read about its global spread, symptoms, vulnerable groups, and prevention measures.
"Super Flu" in Indonesia: 7 Key Facts About the H3N2 Subclade K Virus
4 hari lalu
Health expert Tjandra Yoga Aditama highlights seven important facts about super flu, officially referred to as influenza virus A H3N2 subclade K.
H3N2 'Super Flu' Under Control in Indonesia, Says Health Ministry
5 hari lalu
Indonesia's Ministry of Health confirms 62 cases of influenza A (H3N2) subclade K.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4548967/original/094336900_1692782124-tanaphong-toochinda-FEhFnQdLYyM-unsplash.jpg)
