The shift from dry to rainy season, known as pancaroba, leads to decreased body immunity, making children and adults vulnerable to illness. Pediatric specialist Dr. Ian Suryadi Suteja explains that the body's adaptation to extreme weather reduces antibody production. He recommends healthy habits to maintain immunity.
According to Dr. Ian Suryadi Suteja, M.Med Sc, Sp.A., a pediatric specialist and graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta who practices at Tzu Chi Hospital, the transitional pancaroba season significantly impacts health. "In this pancaroba season, on average, a person's immunity decreases because the body is focused on adapting to the extreme weather changes," he said.
These extreme weather changes, accompanied by fluctuations in temperature and air pressure, trigger the body's adaptation response through metabolic changes. This condition can cause bodily stress, thereby reducing antibody production. "Because our body is stressed, it cannot produce enough antibodies. We should produce enough antibodies, but the body shifts and is no longer focused on building immunity, so it decreases," Dr. Ian explained.
Additionally, higher air pressure changes facilitate the spread of viruses and bacteria. Typically, these germs settle near the ground surface and are easily inhaled by humans. "With those changes, the wind blows faster, making it even easier to spread germs that transfer more readily. So, this series of weather changes causes viruses or germs to spread more easily," he stated.
To counter this, Dr. Ian emphasizes the importance of clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS). He recommends wearing masks, frequent handwashing, consuming nutritious food, and supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. "Eat plenty of vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc to boost immunity; wear masks everywhere, and if coughing or colds are severe, take leave and avoid school or work," he advised. Thus, the public can minimize illness risks during the pancaroba season.