New Delhi:Amid a surge in swine flu cases, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said there is no need for panic, as no new H1N1 strain has been identified in India.
However, young children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions remain at greater risk of complications.
This comes even as Delhi recorded 2,602 influenza cases this year. H1N1 accounted for more than two-thirds of them.
Hospitals are facing an increasing rush of patients with influenza-like symptoms, including some severe cases among unvaccinated people and those with underlying health conditions.
Delhi government has asked hospitals to screen and report influenza, influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and Covid-19 cases.
People have also been asked to take precautions and wear masks in crowded settings, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid close contact with people with respiratory infections to reduce the spread of influenza.
H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, is a subtype of Influenza A that spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. While infection is generally self-limiting, it can cause complications such as pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable groups.
“Young children, elderly persons and individuals with underlying medical conditions may be at greater risk of complications. If symptoms persist, worsen or become severe, timely consultation with a doctor is advised,” ICMR scientists said.
The virus currently circulating in India is similar to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus, the scientists said. It has been circulating since 2025.
H1N1 viruses, like other influenza viruses, undergo small genetic changes as they circulate.
The virus remains part of the H1N1 pdm09 family, which has circulated globally since the 2009 pandemic.
H1N1 has replaced H3N2 as the predominant influenza subtype in Delhi this year. Last year, H3N2 was dominant.
Mask mandate returns as swine flu cases surge; ICMR says no new H1N1 strain
