Indonesia may switch from the rainy to the dry season, but that doesn’t mean the only change we’ll see is people trading their umbrellas for sunglasses. The unpredictability of temperature swings aren’t just wreaking havoc to your plans, but also staging a perfect storm for respiratory bugs to thrive. These changes can impair immune function and increase vulnerability to respiratory infections, particularly among high-risk populations.
If you’ve been coughing more than usual or blaming the AC for your sudden sniffles, you’re not alone. According to the Ministry of Health, over 12,000 cases of acute respiratory infections (ISPA) were recorded in just the first half of 2025. West Java, Central Java, and East Kalimantan took the brunt of the wave, but the entire archipelago is feeling the effects. From rhinitis that makes you sound permanently congested, to full-blown pneumonia that can knock the healthiest off their feet, the range of ailments is both wide and worrying.
Jakarta, never one to be left out of a trend, had logged 79 cases of ISPA caused by the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the early 2025. This uninvited guest mimics the flu but brings a nastier punch for those with weakened immune systems. Seasonal influenza also remains active in Southeast Asia, with moderate but sustained transmission reported by the World Health Organization. Although often self-limiting, influenza can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and secondary infections. Likewise, pneumonia continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in seniors and those with underlying conditions.
So what should one do to stay ahead while the weather figures itself out?
Start with the basics: make sure to eat a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated. Get enough sleep and move your body often and regularly. Avoid sudden temperature changes, and wear masks when you’re in crowded places. Remember, small discomforts are better than suffering from any illness. Make sure to clean your hands by washing them regularly, or using hand sanitiser.
Now, if you’re in one of the high-risk groups– kids, seniors, or someone with a chronic illness– getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumococcal diseases is highly recommended. They’re not just about preventing sniffles, they could keep you out of hospital.
Of course, knowing where to go matters too. Navigating healthcare in Indonesia used to feel very complicated and tedious, but for clinics like SOS Medika, they have made it refreshingly simple to access internationally recognised care without needing a translator or a plane ticket. From your standard flu shot to vaccines for everything from MMR to meningitis, they’ve got you covered! Providing discreet, efficient service with the utmost professionalism.
Because who wants to fight through a waiting list when they’re already fighting for their breath? For questions, appointments, or just reassurance that your cough is nothing sinister, the folks at SOS Medika are on standby 24/7.
Give them a ring at (021) 750 5980 or drop a line to marketing@sosmedika.id
