No new H1N1 strain in India, ICMR chief urges calm
The current surge in H1N1 infections in India is part of the seasonal influenza pattern and no new strain has been identified, ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl said, urging people not to panic as most cases are mild and self-limiting.
Addressing the media, Dr Bahl said the current influenza situation is being continuously monitored.
“The influenza viruses currently circulating in the country are consistent with the seasonal pattern observed in recent years. The ongoing genomic and epidemiological surveillance through the network of 73 DHR-ICMR Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) has provided important reassurance,” he said.
The circulating Influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been identified as A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like viruses.
Hemagglutinin (HA) gene analysis places the isolates in clade 6B.1A.5a2a; subclade D.3.1.1. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director general (DG) informed that this lineage has been in continuous circulation in India since 2025. The genetic changes observed are consistent with the normal antigenic drift seen in seasonal influenza viruses.
Such minor genetic changes occur routinely as influenza viruses circulate and, by themselves, do not indicate the emergence of a new or dangerous strain, he said.
Dr Bahl emphasised that the present observations, therefore, do not indicate the emergence of a new influenza threat and are consistent with the expected behaviour of seasonal influenza viruses.
Seasonal influenza, including Influenza A (H1N1), is predominantly a mild and self-limiting respiratory illness in otherwise healthy individuals. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, fatigue and weakness.
In most people, symptoms improve with supportive care and adequate rest and hydration, the ICMR DG said. The presence of H1N1 does not, by itself, mean that a person will develop severe disease or require hospitalisation, he added.
Dr Bahl said there is no urgent need to take the vaccine against Flu. He added that individuals above 65 and immunocompromised may discuss the vaccine with their doctors but right now there is no need for everyone to take it. He informed that it is only a recommendation from the WHO and it is not even in the National Immunisation Programme.
He said that while seasonal influenza is generally mild, certain individuals have a higher risk of developing complications.
These include elderly persons, young children, individuals with underlying medical conditions or co-morbidities and persons with compromised immunity.
He advised such individuals to exercise greater caution and seek timely medical advice if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
Dr Bahl also advised the public at large to follow routine respiratory hygiene and infection-prevention measures.
He urged people to cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an appropriate hand sanitiser.
He advised staying at home when unwell, avoiding close contact with others, maintaining adequate hydration, taking sufficient rest and consuming a healthy and balanced diet.
Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening and follow medical advice regarding testing or treatment, he said.
“Do not panic because of the detection of H1N1. And do not take antivirals or antibiotics without medical advice,” Dr Bahl said.
He advised avoiding close contact with others while symptomatic and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
The Union Health Ministry, Department of Health Research (DHR), ICMR and National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NCDC) are maintaining continuous epidemiological, virological and genomic surveillance to monitor influenza trends across the country.
The extensive VRDL network enables timely detection and characterisation of circulating respiratory viruses and helps public health authorities respond appropriately to any emerging trends. The surveillance mechanism will continue to closely track changes in influenza activity, circulating strains and disease severity, he said.
The current evidence, however, does not indicate any unusual change in the behaviour of H1N1 influenza or the emergence of a new strain, Dr Bahl said.
He said the public is, therefore, advised to remain informed and vigilant, but not alarmed. Seasonal influenza is a familiar and routinely monitored respiratory infection, and adherence to simple preventive measures, timely medical consultation when required, and avoidance of unnecessary medication can help protect individuals and communities, he added.
