Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Friday (2/1/2026)  Influenza A, or also known as H3N2, is a common seasonal flu that has existed for years and should not be compared to deadly outbreaks such as COVID-19 or tuberculosis, amid public concern in early 2026.

“This is not something deadly like COVID-19. It is a common flu, Influenza H3N2,” he said, as cited by antaranews.com.

Minister Budi explained that H3N2 cases typically rise during winter seasons in four-season countries, while increases in tropical countries like Indonesia remain relatively low. The virus can recur, but most cases are mild and manageable with good immunity. Annual influenza vaccines, he added, remain effective in reducing severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

The Ministry of Health reported 62 confirmed cases across eight provinces by the end of December 2025, with no indication of increased severity. Authorities continue surveillance in line with World Health Organization monitoring and urge the public to maintain healthy lifestyles.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)