Flu Cases Rise Sharply, IPB University Doctor Warns of Climate Change Impact and Importance of Vaccination
In recent weeks, cases of influenza or flu have been reported to have increased in various regions of Indonesia, including Bogor. This increase is in line with global trends recorded by the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr dr Desdiani, SpP, MKK, MSc (MBioEt), a respiratory health expert from IPB University, emphasizes the importance of influenza vaccination and environmental awareness as key factors in addressing the recent surge in flu cases.
According to her, this surge in cases is not only influenced by individual health factors, but also by environmental dynamics and climate change. The average air temperature in Indonesia in September 2025 reached 26,91°C, slightly higher than the climatological average of 26,56°C.
“This temperature anomaly is the seventh highest since 1981 and has the potential to increase the community’s susceptibility to respiratory tract infections,” she said.
In addition, diurnal temperature fluctuations (the difference between day and night temperatures) have recently tended to increase. In fact, hourly temperature variability now reaches 4–5°C.
“For example, at 12 noon the temperature can reach 37°C, then an hour later it drops to around 32,5°C. And so on. So every hour the air temperature can change,” she explained.
These conditions, she continued, weaken the respiratory tract’s defense system, making it easier for the influenza virus to enter and infect the body.
“Extreme temperature differences between day and night can lower the local immunity of the respiratory tract. When the body has not had time to adapt to rapid temperature changes, the risk of influenza virus infection increases,” she explained.
She added that climate change, urbanization, and air pollution also contribute to the spread of disease. An increase in the number of buildings and a decrease in green spaces cause micro-temperatures in densely populated areas to become higher.
At the same time, pollutants such as aerosols also reduce air quality and weaken the body’s resistance. These conditions accelerate the spread of influenza A and B viruses, which are the main causes of seasonal outbreaks.
“Changes in temperature and humidity can affect the stability of viruses in the air. Dry or cold air reduces the effectiveness of the respiratory tract’s mucosal defense system, making it easier for a person to become infected,” she explained.
In addition to environmental factors, Dr Desdiani said that annual influenza vaccination is also an important step in preventing severe cases and complications.
“Vaccination has been proven effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization, pneumonia, and death, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic diseases or weak immune systems,” she said.
Although the effectiveness of the vaccine may decrease in older age, she emphasized that its benefits remain significant in reducing the severity of the disease. “Vaccines not only protect individuals, but also help build community immunity, thereby reducing the potential for widespread outbreaks,” she added.
Dr Desdiani also emphasized the importance of clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS), including coughing etiquette, wearing masks when sick, and maintaining air and environmental hygiene.
“Climate change and declining air quality are not just environmental issues, but also public health issues. Therefore, environmental mitigation must be part of the strategy for preventing infectious diseases,” she said.
Finally, she advised that influenza vaccination and environmental awareness must go hand in hand. “Amid increasingly extreme climate conditions, these two things are key to maintaining community resilience and preventing major outbreaks,” she concluded. (AS) (IAAS/LAN)
