The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday (August 26, 2026) issued a public health advisory on the seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu , during the monsoon, urging people not to self-medicate with antibiotics and antivirals and advising immediate medical attention in case of severe symptoms.
The advisory said surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that the circulating virus remains seasonal Influenza A (H1N1), with no novel genetic mutations detected. The IMA clarified that antibiotics should be used only when a qualified physician diagnoses a secondary bacterial infection based on clinical and laboratory findings. The IMA said India is witnessing a seasonal increase in H1N1 cases, with metropolitan centres such as Delhi recording more than 1,770 laboratory-confirmed cases, alongside cases reported in Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal.
“India is witnessing a seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1) / Swine Flu cases during the monsoon period,” the IMA said, adding that while heightened vigilance is necessary, “there is no cause for panic”. On antiviral medication, the advisory said Oseltamivir is a prescription-only drug and should be used only for specific clinical categories under medical supervision. Patients experiencing coughing up blood, drowsiness, confusion, extreme sleepiness or seizures, persistent vomiting and inability to tolerate oral fluids should also seek emergency care, it said.
