Is Superflu Really a New Disease? Here Is the Explanation from an IPB University Medical Lecturer
A lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine at IPB University, Dr dr Desdiani, SpP, MKK, MSc (MBioEt), emphasized that the term superflu is not the name of a new disease, but rather a popular term used to describe a surge in influenza cases caused by certain strains of the influenza virus.
According to her, the term superflu refers to Influenza A virus subtype H3N2, particularly subclade K, which spreads more rapidly and has led to a significant increase in seasonal flu cases. Nearly 90 percent of recent influenza cases have been reported to be caused by this strain.
Nevertheless, Dr Desdiani clarified that the term is not intended as a new scientific classification, but rather to highlight changes in viral behavior as influenza viruses continue to evolve.
“Influenza viruses constantly mutate to evade the human immune system. Therefore, influenza vaccines need to be updated regularly. The Influenza A/H3N2 subtype itself has existed since 1968 and has undergone more than a dozen changes,” she explained.
Although this year’s flu season began earlier than usual, the rate of transmission and disease severity remain within the normal range for seasonal influenza. The primary concern, she noted, is the burden on healthcare systems in various regions, which largely depends on viral activity as well as the availability of healthcare facilities and personnel.
Dr Desdiani added that global influenza surveillance is conducted through the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), a network coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) involving more than 160 institutions across 131 countries. This system monitors influenza viruses year-round and serves as an early warning mechanism for the emergence of potentially pandemic viruses.
“In tropical countries, influenza activity is relatively low from June to August 2025. Cases begin to rise in September and continue increasing until November 2025, with Influenza A/H3N2 as the dominant strain. In Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the peak occurred in August 2025, with subclade K as the predominant variant,” she stated.
Based on genetic sequencing data, subclade K has undergone genetic drift, a genetic change that may affect viral characteristics. However, Dr Desdiani noted that influenza case numbers have plateaued and steadily declined since mid-December 2025.
“The weekly influenza test positivity rate has also dropped to around 4 percent, even though this year’s flu season arrived one month earlier and recorded three times more cases compared to the same period in 2024,” she added.
For prevention, she emphasized the importance of influenza vaccination. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of healthcare visits or hospitalization due to influenza by up to 70–75 percent in children and around 30–40 percent in adults.
In addition to vaccination, the public is encouraged to maintain clean and healthy behaviors, wear masks when ill, rest at home, practice proper cough etiquette, and maintain hand hygiene.
“Most influenza cases do resolve on their own, but serious complications can occur, especially among young children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic diseases, and healthcare workers,” she warned.
Dr Desdiani also noted that influenza cases are more commonly found among children, adolescents, and the elderly. Children and adolescents are more vulnerable due to high levels of contact in school environments, while older adults face a higher risk of severe illness due to comorbidities and declining immune function. Therefore, vigilance and preventive measures must remain a priority, even though superflu is not a new disease. (dh) (IAAS/CAA)
