Got Question about the News?

The recent spike in H1N1 or swine flu cases across Delhi-NCR is largely a reflection of a seasonal increase along with heightened testing rather than any change in the strain of virus, according to Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Dr Swaminathan, former director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told that increased testing, driven by high public awareness, is making case numbers appear larger, but ideally testing and positivity rates should be compared to previous years to assess if the outbreak is bigger. “There is no need to panic," she said, adding that doctors have observed the case jump arriving slightly earlier than the usual seasonal months this year.

Citing data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) viral diagnostic surveillance laboratories, Swaminathan clarified that the circulating H1N1 strain is not new. It remains largely the same stable strain seen last year and has not mutated to become more virulent or transmissible.

She also flagged that COVID-19 continues to circulate simultaneously, and some infections currently being picked up could be COVID-19 rather than H1N1. She said hospitals across the country should stay prepared, as other states could also see a rise in cases, calling the current situation “a reminder of public health preparedness."

Dr Swaminathan recommended taking the flu vaccine now, noting that vaccine-based immunity typically takes about two weeks to develop. However, those with prior immunity — either from earlier vaccine doses or past illness — could see protection kick in sooner, as the fresh shot acts as a booster or top-up dose.

She reiterated that there is no need to panic and that H1N1 should largely be treated like a regular flu. However, people with compromised immunity, the elderly, pregnant women, and children require additional protection and closer monitoring.

Dr Swaminathan urged the public to follow basic hygiene practices, including regular hand hygiene, wearing masks in public places, and avoiding stepping out when unwell. She also stressed the importance of recognising symptoms early and seeking medical help in time.

Dr Swaminathan, former director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told that increased testing, driven by high public awareness, is making case numbers appear larger than they may actually be. “There is no need to panic," she said, adding that doctors have observed the case jump arriving slightly earlier than the usual seasonal months this year.

Hospitals across India should be prepared for a potential rise in H1N1 cases, as other states could also see an increase.

Key symptoms of H1N1, also known as swine flu, include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, body aches, and fatigue. Other possible symptoms are muscle and joint pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In babies and children, difficulty breathing, trouble waking up, inadequate fluid intake, fever with a rash, or confusion require prompt medical attention.

Seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against the influenza strains expected to circulate each season, and these may include protection against the H1N1 strain. The flu vaccine does not cause influenza.