No New H1N1 Strain, Says ICMR as Delhi Cases Cross 2,300; No Need for Panic
New Delhi: Amid a rise in swine flu (H1N1) cases in Delhi and other parts of the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Sunday said no new strain of the virus has been identified, and there is no cause for alarm.
Sources at the ICMR said the influenza strains currently in circulation are “well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere.” They added that seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is largely self-limiting, with common symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, and body ache. Most people recover with appropriate care and rest, they said.
However, the sources cautioned that young children, elderly persons, and individuals with underlying medical conditions may be at greater risk of complications.
According to ICMR, the Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses currently circulating in the country belong to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain. These viruses are part of clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1, and have been in circulation since 2025.
The health agency advised people to consult a doctor if symptoms persist, worsen, or become severe. It said the situation is being closely monitored through regular surveillance, and necessary public health measures are being undertaken.
The national capital has recorded over 2,300 Influenza-A cases this year, including more than 1,777 H1N1 cases up to Friday (August 21). The Delhi health department reported 114 new H1N1 cases on Thursday (August 20) alone.
In response, the Delhi government has issued a health advisory urging residents to follow respiratory hygiene, avoid crowded places, and seek timely medical advice.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday reviewed the prevailing H1N1 influenza situation and preparedness across the country, with a particular focus on Delhi. He called for continued vigilance, robust surveillance, and proactive preparedness. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the review meeting.
During the review, Nadda examined the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, trends in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), testing and laboratory surveillance, and the readiness of healthcare facilities to manage seasonal influenza cases.
He stressed the need for close monitoring of influenza trends and the timely identification and management of any unusual increase or clustering of cases. The preparedness of healthcare facilities in Delhi was also assessed, including the availability of hospital beds, critical care facilities, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, essential medicines, diagnostics, and other critical supplies.
Health experts reiterated that H1N1 is a seasonal flu virus and does not pose a new or unusual threat this year. They advised the public not to panic but to remain cautious, especially high-risk groups, and to follow government advisories.
