Published on
Saturday, 3 October 2026
ITS Campus, ITS News — Influenza A cases have been reported increasingly in the Indonesian community in recent times. In response, Dr. Edwin Nugroho Njoto, MIPH, MHM, SpPD, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health (FKK) at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) , reminded the public to be aware of influenza symptoms and avoid the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
The doctor, who also practices at Eagles Head Medical Center and Bhayangkara Hospital in Surabaya, revealed that an increase in influenza cases has also begun to be seen in his practice. He believes the public needs to understand the characteristics of the disease and its treatment to avoid misusing medication.
This internist explained that influenza A is caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory system. The influenza virus is not a new type of virus and is prone to mutation and is highly contagious. Weather conditions, he continued, can also be a factor influencing the ease of virus spread. “This influenza virus can indeed trigger seasonal outbreaks with widespread transmission,” he explained.
Influenza A is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets produced when someone coughs or sneezes. The risk of transmission may increase in people with weakened immune systems or those experiencing fatigue due to intense activity.
According to Edwin, influenza symptoms generally begin with respiratory problems and can progress to more severe conditions. Symptoms typically begin with a runny nose, cough, fever, and pain when swallowing. “What you need to be wary of is when there’s a loss of appetite or shortness of breath,” he warned.
Edwin also advised that vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women should pay closer attention to influenza symptoms. Similarly, patients with certain medical conditions, including diabetes and kidney failure, can develop more severe conditions.
On the other hand, Edwin highlighted public errors in treating flu symptoms, one of which is the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. He explained that influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are not used to treat the underlying cause.
According to Edwin, antibiotics can only be considered if there’s a secondary bacterial infection, based on the patient’s medical condition. “Don’t immediately prescribe antibiotics after just a short flu, because influenza is caused by viruses, not bacteria,” he stressed.
To maintain good health, people are advised to get enough rest and sleep, drink fluids, eat nutritious food, and exercise. Regular handwashing after activities outside the home and before eating is also essential.
He continued, saying that people who begin to experience symptoms such as fever and coughing are advised to wear masks when outside the home. Coughing and sneezing etiquette should also be practiced by covering the nose and mouth with a tissue or the inside of the elbow if one is not available.
As an additional preventative measure, Edwin recommends that the public consider routine annual influenza vaccination. This effort can be part of health protection, especially for groups at higher risk of influenza complications.
This education on influenza prevention and treatment aligns with ITS’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs), particularly point 3 on Healthy and Prosperous Living. (ITS Public Relations)
Reporter: Restu Aisyah Rizki Permatasari
