PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan ensured that health facilities continue to accept and treat patients amidst increased alertness for Influenza A in Bandung City.

Farhan delivered the appeal at Bandung City Hall on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, while also asking residents not to underestimate influenza symptoms.

A number of Influenza A cases have been handled by Bandung City health facilities, including patients undergoing isolation in hospitals.

The Bandung City Government has increased vigilance at health facilities, but has asked the public to remain calm and not panic.

"For healthcare facilities, we're reviving our vigilance, as we did for COVID-19, but at the hospital or healthcare facility level," he said.

Farhan specifically asked parents not to force children who are experiencing flu symptoms to participate in learning activities at school.

"If children have the flu, it's best to stay home from school and check with a doctor first, as the symptoms are actually similar to those of Covid," he said.

Symptoms to watch out for include high fever for several days, loss of smell or anosmia, loss of taste, and a persistent, severe cough.

This step is necessary to reduce the potential for transmission in schools, which are places where many children gather.

"If your child starts to show flu-like symptoms, don't force them to go to school. This is because the spread of COVID-19, as we've learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, usually occurs during social gatherings," he said.

Based on a report from the Bandung City Health Office, there has been an increase in influenza cases, but the figures have not shown a significant increase.

Farhan assessed that the increase in public visits to health facilities was also influenced by information about the super flu that was widely circulating on social media.

"The Health Office reported an increase, but it turns out the data wasn't significant. However, social media is abuzz with reports that even emergency rooms are full," Farhan said.

He reminded the public to remain vigilant without causing panic when facing influenza symptoms.

"There's a bit of flu, too, because there's a super flu, so that's normal. It's good to be vigilant," he said.

To ensure that people continue to receive medical assistance, Farhan emphasized that health facilities must not refuse patients.

"I will ensure that no healthcare facility turns away patients. We will accept them first, treat them, and then ask about their BPJS (Social Security) coverage," Farhan explained.

In addition to getting tested when experiencing symptoms, Farhan recommends that healthy people consider influenza vaccination as a protective measure.

"For those who are still healthy, I recommend getting the flu vaccine immediately," he said.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)