Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Government Assures Preparedness for Respiratory Illness Surge
The government of India held a meeting to discuss how ready the country is to handle respiratory illnesses like flu.
They were told that there is no unusual increase in flu cases right now.
The usual types of flu viruses are circulating, and the country has good systems in place to monitor and respond to any outbreaks.
The health minister asked for more reviews and preparations to make sure everyone is ready.
They also plan to have a special meeting about flu later this month.
The government reviewed the country's preparedness for respiratory illnesses and found no unusual surge in influenza cases.
Influenza activity remains low, with circulating strains being H3N2, Influenza B (Victoria), and a small proportion of H1N1.
The country has robust surveillance mechanisms in place, including IDSP's ILI and SARI monitoring, AI-driven event-based surveillance, and ICMR's sentinel surveillance.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda directed a review of influenza preparedness with state nodal officers and the readiness of all central government hospitals.
A two-day national ‘Chintan Shivir on Influenza' is scheduled later this month to further discuss and prepare for influenza.
- Who
- Union Health Minister JP Nadda and health officials
- What
- Review of influenza preparedness and surveillance
- When
- On Tuesday, with an upcoming two-day national ‘Chintan Shivir on Influenza' later this month
- Where
- National capital, India
- Why
- To ensure the country is well-prepared to handle respiratory illnesses and to review the current situation and preparedness measures
- Chaired by
- Union Health Minister JP Nadda
- Meeting Type
- High-level review meeting
- Influenza Activity
- Low, both globally and within India
- Circulating Strains
- H3N2, Influenza B (Victoria), and a small proportion of H1N1
- Surveillance Mechanisms
- IDSP's ILI and SARI monitoring, AI-driven event-based surveillance, ICMR's sentinel surveillance
- Upcoming Event
- Two-day national ‘Chintan Shivir on Influenza' by NCDC
- Directives by Nadda
- Review influenza preparedness with state nodal officers, ensure readiness of central government hospitals, review preparedness in all district hospitals and Medical Colleges within a fortnight, issue advisory to all States and Union Territories, conduct regular mock drills at health facilities