Recently, the term "Superflu" has been widely discussed. Many people complain of significantly more severe flu symptoms, longer recovery times, and complications that disrupt daily activities. But is this a new medical phenomenon, or are our bodies simply becoming more vulnerable?
What is Superflu?
Medically, Superflu isn't an official term for a new virus. This phenomenon refers to flu (influenza) symptoms that appear with "extraordinary" intensity. This often occurs due to a combination of factors:
- Decreased Collective Immunity: After the pandemic, the body's immune system may not be "trained" to deal with the common flu virus.
- Coinfection: Being infected with more than one type of virus or bacteria at the same time.
- Pollution Exposure: High levels of air pollution, especially in urban areas such as West Jakarta, exacerbate inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Symptoms You Need to Watch Out For
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe Sore Throat: Difficulty swallowing that does not improve within 3 days.
- Chronic Nasal Congestion: Accompanied by pain in the facial area (symptoms of sinusitis).
- Hearing Loss: A feeling of fullness or ringing in the ears due to a buildup of mucus in the nose that blocks the Eustachian tube.
- Persistent High Fever: Body temperature above 38°C that is difficult to reduce with regular medication.
- Thick Phlegm Cough: Change in the color of the phlegm to green or dark yellow.
Why Should You Act Immediately?
Delaying examination when experiencing Superflu symptoms can trigger more serious complications, such as Acute Sinusitis, Otitis Media (middle ear infection), Bronchitis, and Pneumonia.
Early examination by a professional allows for an accurate diagnosis—whether you need supportive therapy, antibiotics (if there is a bacterial infection), or other medical procedures to clear your airways.
"Don't self-medicate with antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. This risks creating dangerous bacterial resistance in the future."
ENT Health Solutions in West Jakarta
If you or your family are experiencing persistent flu symptoms, don't wait until your condition worsens. We understand that your comfort and speed of service are your priorities. We are ready to help you breathe freely again and return to your daily activities without any health problems.
Take preventative action today. Schedule a consultation with our ENT specialist to receive appropriate and personalized treatment. Here are Dr. Bintari Nareswari, Sp. THT-BKL's appointments: Monday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Tuesday 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Wednesday 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Thursday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, and Friday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
This article was written by Dr. Bintari Nareswari, Sp. ENT-BKL (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist – Head and Neck Surgery, EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).