Jakarta, Nov. 14 -- The Jakarta Health Office has advised residents to maintain strong immunity to prevent illnesses during the transitional season, including acute respiratory infections (ARI).

"Preventing ARI is far better than treating it. Start strengthening your immunity now," Head of the Jakarta Health Office Ani Ruspitawati said in a statement here on Friday.

She said that unpredictable temperature shifts, ranging from intense heat to heavy rainfall, allow viruses and bacteria to develop more easily and enter the respiratory tract.

According to Ruspitawati, dry air and extreme fluctuations can weaken the body's defenses, making people more vulnerable to coughs, colds, fever, and fatigue.

She added that the transitional season e...