Everyday Habits to Prevent Influenza

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Preventing influenza involves more than wearing a mask. Everyday habits such as washing hands with soap and running water, practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette, and using masks correctly can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Secretary of the Directorate General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Andi Saguni, said on Monday, September 28, 2026, maintaining clean and healthy habits is an important part of influenza prevention.

“So, of course, practicing clean and healthy living habits (PHBS) is extremely important. This includes things like washing your hands with running water and soap, and practicing proper coughing and sneezing etiquette,” he said to the press.

Hand hygiene is particularly important because contaminated hands can contribute to the spread of respiratory infections. The Ministry of Health also recommends using hand sanitizer when necessary, particularly in situations where soap and running water are not readily available.

Proper mask use is another preventive measure, particularly for people who are sick. Andi said masks should be worn correctly rather than left loose or slipping below the face. He also recommended that healthy people consider wearing masks when they are in crowded places such as terminals and markets.

The importance of these measures is linked to how influenza spreads. Pompini Agustina Sitompul, a pulmonology and respiratory medicine specialist, explained that transmission can occur through respiratory droplets as well as contaminated hands.

“Therefore, prevention involves understanding how it spreads, practicing proper cough etiquette by covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and always washing your hands,” she explained at the same occasion.

People who are sick should also take steps to reduce contact with others and avoid spreading the infection in homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces. Proper cough and sneeze etiquette, including covering the nose and mouth, is therefore part of everyday prevention.

Vaccination is another preventive measure highlighted by the Ministry of Health. Andi said influenza vaccination should be carried out regularly.

“And get a flu shot regularly—once a year,” he stated. Taken together, vaccination, hand hygiene, proper respiratory etiquette and appropriate mask use form practical measures that can be incorporated into daily life.