India is seeing a rise in seasonal influenza, with H1N1 accounting for much of the increase in influenza A infections.
Maharashtra, too, has reported a rise in H1N1 infections. Nadda reviewed the national situation, with particular attention to Delhi. The review covered influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection trends, laboratory surveillance, hospital beds, critical-care capacity, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, medicines and diagnostics. Dr. The National Centre for Disease Control monitors influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections, while laboratories identify influenza A and B and, where required, determine whether influenza A is H1N1 or H3N2. ICMR’s laboratory network, including the National Institute of Virology, Pune, provides specialised surveillance and characterisation of circulating viruses. The NCDC also maintains a network of laboratories for influenza testing. The purpose is not simply to count cases but to detect changes in the virus and unusual clusters early. A rise in positive H1N1 tests matters, but a disproportionate rise in severe disease, ICU admissions or deaths would be a more significant warning signal.
The government’s emphasis on ILI, SARI and laboratory surveillance is therefore important. Stating that there is no cause for alarm ICMR director general Rajiv Bahl said on Tuesday (August 25, 2026) that the virus currently circulating is the familiar A(H1N1)pdm09 strain, which has become a seasonal influenza virus. Delhi has reported 1,777 H1N1 cases this year, while Karnataka had recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases across 32 districts by August 22. On August 21, Health Minister J.P.
Most infections are mild and self-limiting, he said, while severe disease remains more likely among vulnerable groups. Bahl has said that people who are ill should stay home, avoid spreading infection and rest, while those at higher risk should seek medical advice promptly.
For a healthy adult, influenza will often mean several days of fever, cough, sore throat, body ache and fatigue, followed by recovery. But the same infection can become dangerous in people at higher risk.
