Archive · 26 Aug 2026
India's H1N1 Cases Rise, ICMR Urges Calm and Precautions
Many people in India are getting seasonal flu, and most tested cases are H1N1.
The country's top medical research agency says this flu strain is not new.
Doctors say the number of people needing hospital care is still low.
No deaths from influenza had been reported, according to the ICMR director-general.
People at higher risk are more likely to become seriously ill.
The flu usually has peaks during the monsoon and winter seasons.
Officials say the current pattern is not unusual for this time of year.
They still want people to be careful and follow preventive measures.
Health agencies are watching the situation across India.
Nearly 98% of tested influenza cases in India were identified as H1N1, according to ICMR Director-General Rajiv Bahl.
Bahl said hospitalisation rates remain low and no influenza-related deaths had been reported.
He said severe illness was largely restricted to high-risk individuals.
The ICMR said the current strain is not new and available vaccines are effective against it.
The Health Ministry and several states and Union Territories are strengthening surveillance, medical preparedness and isolation facilities.
- Who
- The Indian Council of Medical Research, its Director-General Dr Rajiv Bahl, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and state and Union Territory health authorities.
- What
- Nearly 98% of tested influenza cases were H1N1, while officials reported low hospitalisation rates and urged precaution without panic.
- When
- During the current seasonal flu period, as cases were rising across India.
- Where
- Across India, including several states and Union Territories such as New Delhi.
- Why
- Health authorities are monitoring respiratory illness trends and expanding preparedness because of rising H1N1 cases, although officials said the pattern remains typical for the season.
- Tested cases identified as H1N1
- Nearly 98%
- Hospitalisation rate
- Reported as low
- Reported influenza deaths
- None reported by ICMR Director-General Rajiv Bahl
- Higher-risk group
- High-risk individuals are more likely to develop severe illness
- Seasonal flu peaks
- Usually during the monsoon and winter
- Vaccine status
- ICMR said available vaccines are effective against the current strain
- Monitoring agencies
- The Health Ministry, Department of Health Research, ICMR and NCDC