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Updated - August 23, 2026 07:59 pm IST - New Delhi

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

No new strain of H1N1 has been identified, and there is no cause for panic, sources at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Sunday (August 23, 2026) amid an increase in swine flu cases in Delhi and other parts of the country.

The Influenza strains currently circulating are "well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere", they said.

Seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is mostly self-limiting. Common symptoms 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 greater risk of complications, the sources said.

The Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses currently circulating in the country belong to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain, sources at ICMR said.

These viruses belong to clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1, and have been in circulation since 2025.

If symptoms persist, worsen or become severe, timely consultation with a doctor is advised. The situation continues to be closely monitored through regular surveillance, and necessary public health measures are being undertaken, the sources said.

The national capital has recorded over 2,300 Influenza-A cases this year, including over 1,777 H1N1 cases till Friday (August 21). The health department said 114 H1N1 cases were reported on Thursday (August 20) alone.

The Delhi government has issued a health advisory urging people 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 particular focus on the national capital and called for continued vigilance, robust surveillance and proactive preparedness.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the meeting.

Nadda reviewed the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, trends in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), testing and laboratory surveillance, and the preparedness 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 reviewed, including the availability of hospital beds, critical care facilities, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, essential medicines, diagnostics and other critical supplies.

Published - August 23, 2026 07:56 pm IST

health / Delhi

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