The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), in collaboration with the Department of Health Research (DHR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is closely monitoring seasonal respiratory illnesses across the country through an extensive surveillance network.
Seeking to allay public concerns, Secretary, DHR and Director General, ICMR, Dr Rajiv Bahl said the current influenza situation remains under constant observation and there is “no cause for panic or alarm.” He said the influenza viruses presently circulating in India are in line with the seasonal trends observed over recent years.
According to Dr Bahl, ongoing genomic and epidemiological surveillance conducted through the network of 73 DHR-ICMR Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) has provided reassuring findings.
The surveillance has identified the circulating Influenza A (H1N1) viruses as A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like viruses. Analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene has placed these isolates in clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1.
Dr Bahl noted that this lineage has been circulating continuously in India since 2025 and that the genetic changes observed are consistent with the normal process of antigenic drift seen in seasonal influenza viruses.
“Such minor genetic changes occur routinely as influenza viruses circulate and do not, by themselves, indicate the emergence of a new or dangerous strain,” he said.
The ICMR chief emphasised that current observations do not suggest the emergence of any new influenza threat and remain consistent with the expected behaviour of seasonal influenza viruses.
Health experts have reiterated that seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is generally a mild and self-limiting respiratory illness among otherwise healthy individuals. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, fatigue and weakness.
In most cases, patients recover with adequate rest, hydration and supportive care. Officials stressed that the presence of H1N1 infection does not automatically imply severe disease or the need for hospitalisation.
However, Dr Bahl cautioned that certain groups remain at greater risk of complications, including elderly persons, young children, individuals with underlying health conditions and those with compromised immunity. He advised people in these categories to seek timely medical attention if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
The public has been urged to follow standard respiratory hygiene measures, avoid panic over the detection of H1N1, and refrain from taking antivirals or antibiotics without medical advice. Authorities also recommended avoiding close contact with others while symptomatic and preventing infection through regular hand hygiene and by avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
The Health Ministry, DHR, ICMR and NCDC said they are maintaining continuous epidemiological, virological and genomic surveillance across the country. Officials noted that the VRDL network enables timely detection and characterisation of respiratory viruses and helps authorities respond effectively to evolving disease trends.
While surveillance will continue to track influenza activity, circulating strains and disease severity, authorities said the current evidence does not indicate any unusual change in the behaviour of H1N1 influenza or the emergence of a new strain.
The government has advised citizens to remain informed and vigilant, while stressing that seasonal influenza is a familiar and routinely monitored infection that can be managed effectively through preventive measures and timely medical consultation.
