ICMR chief Rajiv Bahl.
| Picture Credit score: ICMR web site
The H1N1 pressure accounts for practically 98% of Influenza A circumstances at present detected in India, with H3N2 making up solely 2-3% of circumstances, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director-general Rajiv Bahl mentioned on Tuesday (August 25, 2026).
Amid rising concern over an increase in H1N1 infections in a number of States, Dr. Bahl mentioned there was “completely no trigger for panic”, stressing that the virus circulating within the nation was the acquainted H1N1 pdm09 pressure that emerged through the 2009 pandemic and has since turn out to be a seasonal influenza virus.
No pressing vaccination wanted
Talking at a press convention right here, he mentioned there was no pressing want for the overall inhabitants to take the seasonal flu vaccine. Individuals aged above 65 and people who are immunocompromised may focus on vaccination with their medical doctors, he mentioned.
Requested concerning the World Well being Group’s suggestion on seasonal influenza vaccination, Dr. Bahl mentioned it was a suggestion and never a directive. The Union authorities has additionally determined to not embody the influenza vaccine within the Nationwide Immunisation Programme, he mentioned.
Based on the ICMR chief, minor genetic modifications happen naturally in influenza viruses each season and don’t essentially point out the emergence of a brand new or extra harmful pressure. Most infections stay delicate and self-limiting.
Flu surveillance
India’s influenza surveillance is being carried out by means of an ICMR community of 73 sentinel hospitals, the place samples from sufferers with extreme acute respiratory infections and influenza-like sickness are examined often. A wider community of 167 virus analysis and diagnostic laboratories additionally undertake diagnostic testing.
The surveillance system is monitoring Influenza A and B together with different respiratory viruses, together with SARS-CoV-2, human metapneumovirus, adenovirus and parainfluenza viruses.
Whereas most wholesome folks get better with supportive care, older adults, younger youngsters, pregnant ladies and immunocompromised folks face a better danger of problems equivalent to pneumonia.
Dr. Bahl mentioned folks with flu signs ought to relaxation at residence and observe primary respiratory and hand hygiene. Antiviral medicines could also be prescribed for extreme or high-risk circumstances, whereas antibiotics haven’t any position in treating viral influenza.
The ICMR chief mentioned the current rise in H1N1 infections was according to the seasonal behaviour of influenza and didn’t represent a public well being emergency.
Revealed – August 25, 2026 06:21 pm IST
