The IMA really helpful protecting the mouth and nostril with a tissue or bent elbow whereas coughing or sneezing and carrying a well-fitted masks in crowded and enclosed areas
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The Indian Medical Affiliation (IMA) on Wednesday (August 26, 2026) issued a public well being advisory on the seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, in the course of the monsoon, urging folks to not self-medicate with antibiotics and antivirals and advising instant medical consideration in case of extreme signs.
The IMA stated India is witnessing a seasonal improve in H1N1 instances, with metropolitan centres akin to Delhi recording greater than 1,770 laboratory-confirmed instances, alongside instances reported in Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal.
The advisory stated surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Analysis (ICMR) has confirmed that the circulating virus stays seasonal Influenza A (H1N1), with no novel genetic mutations detected.
“India is witnessing a seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1) / Swine Flu instances in the course of the monsoon interval,” the IMA stated, including that whereas heightened vigilance is critical, “there isn’t any trigger for panic”.
The medical physique stated the vast majority of H1N1 infections are gentle and self-limiting.
Based on the advisory, H1N1 usually presents with sudden onset of high-grade fever and chills, persistent dry cough and sore throat, extreme muscle aches and fatigue, headache, runny or congested nostril, and, extra often in kids, nausea, vomiting or free stools.
The IMA careworn that Influenza A (H1N1) is a viral sickness and antibiotics don’t kill viruses.
“Don’t devour Azithromycin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, Cefixime, or different antibiotics for flu signs,” it stated, warning that indiscriminate antibiotic use throughout viral surges can destroy protecting microbiome flora and gas deadly Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The IMA clarified that antibiotics ought to be used solely when a certified doctor diagnoses a secondary bacterial an infection based mostly on medical and laboratory findings.
On antiviral treatment, the advisory stated Oseltamivir is a prescription-only drug and ought to be used just for particular medical classes beneath medical supervision.
“Don’t self-administer antivirals,” the IMA stated.
The medical physique additionally listed a number of warning indicators requiring instant emergency medical consideration, together with issue in respiration, shortness of breath or speedy respiration, chest ache or persistent strain, and bluish discolouration of the lips or fingers.
Sufferers experiencing coughing up blood, drowsiness, confusion, excessive sleepiness or seizures, persistent vomiting and lack of ability to tolerate oral fluids also needs to search emergency care, it stated.
For kids, lack of ability to feed, lethargy, grunting or extreme chest retractions have been listed as red-flag signs requiring pressing medical consideration.
The IMA suggested folks to observe preventive measures, together with frequent handwashing with cleaning soap and water for no less than 20 seconds or utilizing an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
It additionally really helpful protecting the mouth and nostril with a tissue or bent elbow whereas coughing or sneezing and carrying a well-fitted masks in crowded and enclosed areas.
“Keep Dwelling When Sick: Keep away from colleges, workplaces, and social gatherings for no less than 24 hours after fever has resolved with out fever-reducing medicines,” the advisory stated.
The IMA additionally strongly suggested annual seasonal influenza vaccination for healthcare personnel, pregnant girls, the aged and other people with underlying persistent medical situations.
Revealed – August 26, 2026 01:49 pm IST
