Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Cases of influenza are prompting discussion around what’s being called ‘Super flu.’ The Indonesian Ministry of Health has recorded at least 74 cases of Super flu across 13 provinces as of January 2026, including approximately 18-35 cases detected in East Java, particularly in the city of Surabaya.
While the number of cases is increasing, medical professionals emphasize that “Super flu” isn’t an official medical term. According to Dr. Yolanda Njotowibowo at Mayapada Hospital Surabaya, the term is used to describe a faster-spreading and potentially more severe variant of influenza A (H3N2) subclade K compared to typical seasonal flu. This is an important distinction as public awareness of respiratory illnesses remains high following recent global health events.
“Super flu actually refers to an increase in seasonal flu cases due to the subclade K variant, and it is not a latest virus. To date, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that this variant is more severe than COVID-19 or other seasonal influenza strains, nor that it can trigger a pandemic,” she explained on Friday, February 13, 2026.
The symptoms of Super flu are generally similar to those of seasonal flu, but some patients may experience more severe illness. Fever can be higher and last longer than with a typical flu.
“Patients generally experience fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dry cough, and sore throat. In some cases, body temperature can rise to above 39-40°C. If not treated properly, the infection can develop into complications such aspneumonia, so early vigilance is important, especially in high-risk groups,” added Dr. Yolanda.
Super flu can potentially affect anyone, but the risk is higher for certain groups, namely the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical conditions (comorbidities) such as heart disease, diabetes, and immune system disorders. This increased risk highlights the importance of preventative measures, particularly as the influenza A(H3N2) subclade K variant spreads more quickly, especially in crowded areas and with close contact.
Amidst the rising cases of Super flu, one preventative measure is annual influenza vaccination, which can help lower the risk of infection and more severe symptoms.
Dr. Ivan Andre Hartono, M.Biomed at Mayapada Hospital Surabaya, explained that vaccination continues to play a vital role in minimizing the impact of infection significantly.
“The influenza vaccine does not completely prevent the possibility of infection, including by subclade K. Yet, the vaccine can help the body build antibodies, which can reduce the risk of severe symptoms and complications from infection,” he explained.
In addition to vaccination, implementing health protocols remains an important step in prevention.
“Wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and maintaining physical distance, especially in crowded places or when interacting with sick people, remains effective in reducing the risk of transmission,” added Dr. Ivan.
To anticipate the spread of Super flu, Mayapada Hospital Surabaya (MHSB) provides influenza vaccination services to help the public obtain protection with standards of safety and comfort, especially for high-risk groups. Vaccination services are as well available at other Mayapada Hospital units.
Individuals who wish to consult or evaluate their health condition regarding flu infection can consult a specialist doctor at Mayapada Hospital. Access to information and registration is available through the call center 150770 or the MyCare application.
health information about influenza and preventative measures can be accessed through the MyCare application on the Health Articles and Tips feature. You can also monitor your body’s fitness through the Personal Health feature to calculate heart rate, steps, calories burned, and Body Mass Index (BMI).
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