Archive · 25 Aug 2026
No new H1N1 strain identified as seasonal surge continues
India is seeing more cases of a flu virus called H1N1.
Health officials say it is not a new virus strain.
It is the same family of virus that has circulated since the 2009 pandemic.
H1N1 now behaves like a seasonal flu that appears regularly.
Most people get better on their own.
People with flu symptoms should rest, drink fluids and avoid spreading the virus.
Older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems should be more careful.
Anyone with trouble breathing or chest pain should see a doctor.
ICMR Director General Rajiv Bahl said no new H1N1 strain has been identified in India.
The circulating virus is the familiar Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 lineage present since 2009.
Most H1N1 infections are mild and self-limiting, with cases expected to decline in the coming weeks.
H3N2, Influenza B Victoria and declining COVID-19 cases are also being detected.
People should rest, stay hydrated and seek medical care for breathing difficulty, chest pain or other serious symptoms.
- Who
- ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl and people experiencing respiratory symptoms in India.
- What
- Dr Bahl said the current H1N1 increase is seasonal and does not involve a newly identified strain.
- When
- The statement was made on Tuesday, August 25; cases were expected to decline in the following weeks.
- Where
- India, with Dr Bahl addressing the media in New Delhi.
- Why
- To explain the nature of the H1N1 surge and advise the public not to panic or seek unnecessary testing.
- Circulating virus
- Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 lineage
- Virus history
- Present since the 2009 pandemic
- Current pattern
- Seasonal influenza surge
- Common severity
- Most infections are mild and self-limiting
- Other viruses detected
- H3N2 and Influenza B Victoria; COVID-19 cases are also declining
- Higher-risk groups
- Elderly people, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women
- Warning symptoms
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain or other serious symptoms