Government intensifies H1N1 surveillance, public urged not to panic: ICMR
New Delhi, August 25: Amid the increasing cases of seasonal influenza in the country, the Union Health Ministry, Department of Health Research (DHR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are continuously monitoring the situation.
ICMR Director General and DHR Secretary Dr Rajiv Bahl said on Tuesday that there is no need to panic in the current situation.
The influenza viruses circulating in the country are in line with the seasonal pattern observed in recent years. Genomic and epidemiological surveillance of the virus is being carried out through a network of 73 DHR-ICMR Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories. Investigations have identified the H1N1 virus circulating in India as A/Missouri/11/2025 pdm 09-like virus. Analysis of its hemagglutinin gene places it in clade 6b.1a.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1.
According to Dr Rajiv Bahl, this virus lineage has been circulating continuously in India since 2025. The genetic changes observed in the virus are normal seasonal variations, known as antigenic drift. He clarified that these changes do not indicate the emergence of a new or more dangerous virus. He added that in most people, symptoms improve with proper care, adequate rest, and proper hydration. Simply having H1N1 does not necessarily mean a person will develop severe illness or require hospitalization.
According to the Ministry of Health, seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is usually a mild and self-limited infection in healthy people. Its main symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, and fatigue.
However, the elderly, young children, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and those with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk of complications. These individuals have been encouraged to seek timely medical advice if they experience flu-like symptoms. The government has
urged people to take precautions:
covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing hands regularly, staying home when sick, drinking plenty of water, and getting plenty of rest.
People have also been advised not to take antiviral or antibiotic medications without consulting a doctor.
The government has stated that changes in influenza activity, virus strains, and disease severity will continue to be monitored regularly. Based on current evidence, there are no unusual changes in virus behavior or indications of the emergence of any new strains.
