Karnataka has recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza instances throughout 32 districts up to now this yr, with the Well being Division attributing the present rise in H1N1 instances to the state’s traditional seasonal sample and urging folks to not panic.
Based on surveillance information from the Built-in Well being Data Platform (IHIP), 4,212 influenza instances had been confirmed within the state as of August 22, 2026.
H1N1 is a pressure of the influenza A virus that may trigger seasonal flu. Widespread signs embody fever, cough, sore throat, physique ache and fatigue.
Bengaluru accounts for almost all of the instances. The Better Bengaluru Authority (MSU) space has reported 2,070 instances up to now this yr, in comparison with 2,587 in 2025 and 1,189 in 2024. Bengaluru City has recorded 1,011 instances, broadly akin to 961 instances in 2025 and 991 in 2024.
The Well being Division stated influenza usually data two seasonal peaks in Karnataka — between January and March and once more between July and September. The present enhance in instances due to this fact falls throughout the state’s traditional seasonal sample.
Well being Division critiques preparedness
Well being Minister UT Khader chaired a evaluation assembly with senior well being officers from the state and districts to evaluate preparedness to handle the seasonal rise in influenza.
The division stated authorities well being amenities have enough infrastructure, important medicines and different provides to deal with a doable enhance in instances.
Surveillance for Influenza-Like Sickness (ILI) and Extreme Acute Respiratory An infection (SARI) has additionally been strengthened in step with tips issued by the World Well being Group and the Union Ministry of Well being and Household Welfare.
Surveillance is being carried out via designated sentinel websites underneath the ICMR-NCDC community for pan-respiratory virus surveillance, in addition to via the Viral Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) community. The division stated laboratories have ample consumables to make sure well timed pattern assortment and testing.
Well being amenities have been directed to keep up enough shares of important provides, together with private protecting gear, N95 masks and Oseltamivir, an antiviral treatment used to deal with influenza.
Healthcare staff have additionally been sensitised to establish ILI and SARI instances early, assess danger and supply acceptable remedy.
Non-public hospitals and healthcare amenities have been requested to comply with state protocols for screening, testing and remedy of H1N1 instances. They’ve additionally been directed to report confirmed instances to surveillance authorities via the IHIP platform.
Public advisory
As a part of efforts to forestall transmission, the division has bolstered respiratory and hand hygiene measures in healthcare amenities and stepped up public consciousness campaigns via print, digital and social media.
The Well being Division has suggested folks to cowl their nostril and mouth whereas coughing or sneezing, wash their fingers recurrently with cleaning soap and water, drink loads of fluids and isolate themselves in the event that they develop flu-like signs. Folks have additionally been suggested to keep away from touching their eyes, nostril and mouth, chorus from self-medication, and keep away from crowded locations, pointless gatherings and shaking fingers whereas symptomatic. The division has additionally suggested towards reusing napkins.
Folks experiencing signs have been suggested to hunt care on the nearest authorities well being facility.
The Well being Division stated there was no want for panic over the rise in instances, however urged folks to comply with beneficial precautions and search well timed medical consideration to assist restrict the unfold of seasonal influenza.
