Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Health Ministry Reviews Preparedness as H1N1 Infections Surge
Flu cases are increasing in several parts of India, including Delhi.
A health ministry review found that H1N1 caused about 70% of recently reported respiratory infections in an ICMR laboratory network.
H1N1 levels have been high for several weeks but started falling over the last two weeks.
Health officials checked whether hospitals had enough beds, critical-care facilities and supplies.
They asked people to cover coughs and sneezes and wash their hands often.
Children, older adults and pregnant women have a higher risk of serious illness.
Some people can develop pneumonia or trouble breathing after influenza.
People with severe, worsening or persistent symptoms should contact a doctor.
Antibiotics do not treat viruses, while doctors may decide whether antiviral treatment is needed.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed influenza trends and healthcare preparedness with Delhi officials.
ICMR surveillance found H1N1 caused about 70% of respiratory infections reported during the previous week.
H1N1 has circulated at high levels for four to five weeks, although cases declined over the past two weeks.
Delhi’s hospital beds, critical-care capacity and medical supplies were assessed for seasonal influenza cases.
Officials urged respiratory and hand hygiene, masks, vaccination and prompt medical attention for severe or persistent symptoms.
- Who
- Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, the Union Health Ministry and ICMR officials.
- What
- A review of rising seasonal influenza activity, H1N1 infections and healthcare preparedness.
- When
- The review took place on Friday; ICMR data covered the previous week and showed trends over the preceding four to five weeks.
- Where
- Several parts of India, including Delhi; the surveillance came through ICMR laboratories.
- Why
- To monitor influenza activity, prepare hospitals, support early detection and promote prevention and timely treatment.
- H1N1 share
- About 70% of respiratory infections reported through the ICMR laboratory network in the previous week were attributed to H1N1.
- Recent trend
- H1N1 has circulated at high levels for four to five weeks, with numbers slowly declining over the last two weeks.
- Current-week data
- Data for the current week was not yet available at the time of the report.
- Preparedness review
- Delhi hospital beds, critical-care facilities and necessary supplies were assessed.
- Higher-risk groups
- Children, people aged over 65 and pregnant women face a higher risk of severe disease.
- Severe warning signs
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips or nails, sudden confusion and worsening symptoms require medical attention.
- Prevention
- Recommended measures include masks, hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places and receiving an updated annual flu vaccine.