Amid a rise in H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, and other respiratory infections in recent days, senior scientists at ICMR revealed that no new strain of H1N1 has been identified, and there is no cause for panic.
Delhi reported around 114 H1N1 cases on Thursday, along with a rise in other respiratory infections. The government has advised people to recognise symptoms early and follow basic precautions to help limit transmission.
Scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have clarified that no new strain of Influenza A (H1N1) has been identified in India. They said there is no cause for panic over the seasonal influenza virus currently circulating in the country.
What did ICMR scientists say?
According to ICMR scientists, the H1N1 influenza viruses currently circulating in India are similar to the A/Missouri/11/2025 strain, which has been circulating since 2025.
For most people, H1N1 is a self-limiting illness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache and body aches, which generally improve with adequate rest and care.
However, young children, older adults and people with existing health conditions may be at greater risk of developing complications.
Doctors should be consulted if symptoms persist, worsen or become severe. Health authorities are also continuing to monitor the virus closely.
Hospitals Step Up Surveillance, Testing for ILI, COVID-19
Patients with influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), and COVID-19 are being identified and monitored. Information from hospitals is reported through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda informed the Rajya Sabha in July that surveillance for ILI, SARI, and COVID-19 is being conducted through the IDSP-IHIP.
The protocol mandates COVID-19 testing for all SARI patients and 5 percent of ILI patients, along with regular reporting of COVID-19-related data to the IDSP-IHIP.
With an increase in H1N1 cases, hospitals are placing greater emphasis on adherence to these protocols and timely reporting. Since H1N1 and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, testing is important. Both are respiratory infections that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue.
As the symptoms overlap, Laboratory testing is therefore essential for an accurate diagnosis, particularly in patients with severe illness.
How does H1N1 spread?
H1N1 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can also spread when someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
The virus can survive on hard surfaces, including tables, door handles and phones, for up to 24-48 hours. Regular handwashing and avoiding unnecessary contact with the face can therefore help reduce the risk of infection.
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A person infected with H1N1 can spread the virus from around one day before symptoms appear and for about five to seven days after becoming sick.
Monsoon conditions can contribute to an increase in seasonal infections.
How to Prevent H1N1
H1N1 is a treatable infection, and most cases are mild. Simple precautions at home can help reduce the risk of transmission. These include washing hands frequently, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with sick people and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Getting an annual seasonal flu vaccine can also help protect against influenza. People who are at higher risk of complications or have been in close contact with someone infected with H1N1 should seek medical advice promptly.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe antiviral medication, especially when treatment is started early or the patient is at a higher risk of complications. While most people recover with proper care, some patients, particularly older adults and those in high-risk groups, may need hospitalisation.
Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, especially if they are severe or getting worse, should consult a doctor instead of self-medicating.