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Updated - August 23, 2026 09:29 pm IST - New Delhi

Image used for representational purposes only. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Sunday (August 23, 2026) said that the Influenza A (H1N1) viruses currently circulating in the country belong to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain. It clarified that no new strain of H1N1 has been identified and there is no cause for panic.

“These viruses belong to clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1, and have been in circulation since 2025. The Influenza strains currently circulating are also well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere,” ICMR said. “Seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is mostly self-limiting,” it added.

Common symptoms of the illness include fever, cough, headache, and body ache, and most people recover with appropriate care and rest. However, young children, elderly persons, and individuals with underlying medical conditions may be at a greater risk of complications. If symptoms persist, worsen, or become severe, consultation with a doctor is advised, it said.

The Union Health Ministry has said that it is closely monitoring the situation through regular surveillance and is undertaking necessary public health measures.

India has registered a rise in seasonal Influenza A(H1N1) cases, commonly called swine flu, this monsoon, especially in major cities. Delhi has reported 1,777 confirmed H1N1 cases so far this year, including 114 new cases on August 20. Karnataka has registered over 4,000 cases, with more than half reported from Bengaluru. Rising influenza activity has also been reported in Mumbai, Chennai and parts of Kerala.

National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) data show that H1N1 activity was relatively low in 2021 (778 cases, 12 deaths) after the pandemic period, but rebounded sharply in 2022 (13,202 cases, 410 deaths) and remained substantial in 2023 (8,125 cases, 129 deaths). By June 2024, India had already recorded 7,215 cases and 150 deaths, and year-end numbers were higher. NCDC’s 2025 reporting shows that H1N1 continued to circulate across multiple States.

NCDC maintains a nationwide influenza surveillance network and publishes State-wise data and H1N1 treatment/prevention guidelines. It recommends seasonal influenza vaccination based on WHO strain recommendations. For the 2025–26 season, India’s recommended trivalent vaccine included H1N1, H3N2 and B/Victoria components, with circulating Indian H1N1 strains aligning with vaccine strains.

“People at higher risk should consider annual vaccination and seek medical advice promptly if flu symptoms become severe,” Anil Bansal of the Delhi Medical Association said.

Published - August 23, 2026 07:56 pm IST

health / Delhi

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