Jakarta – Dr. Erlina Burhan, a pulmonologist from RS Persahabatan, has drawn attention to the rise in respiratory illnesses in China. Two viruses have seen a surge in cases in China since December of last year.
“The H1N1 strain of influenza A and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) are spreading in China. H1N1 flu cases in Beijing have surged since December,” she stated on her personal X (formerly Twitter) account, as quoted by detikcom with her permission on Monday (January 6, 2025).
Dr. Erlina further explained that the symptoms of these illnesses resemble common flu, including fever, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue. However, for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, the H1N1 virus can lead to pneumonia or other severe respiratory infections.
Meanwhile, HMPV, which is also contributing to the rise in respiratory illnesses in China, can cause bronchiolitis or serious pneumonia in vulnerable groups. This illness is difficult to distinguish from common flu without specialized testing, delaying proper treatment.
“Infectious diseases spread rapidly. A connected world facilitates the virus crossing multiple countries. We cannot afford to be complacent, even though Indonesia has not been affected yet,” she emphasized.
