Archive · 25 Aug 2026
H1N1 Cases Rise as Experts Advise Precautions, Not Routine Masks
H1N1, also called swine flu, is spreading in Delhi and other areas.
It is caused by a type of influenza virus, not the virus that causes COVID-19.
Both illnesses can cause fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness and body aches.
H1N1 can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
It can also spread through close contact or contaminated surfaces.
Health experts say most people do not need to wear masks routinely right now.
People should still wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands.
They should keep away from people who are sick and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.
Anyone who is ill or at higher risk should follow medical advice.
Delhi has reported more than 2,300 swine flu cases, while Karnataka has around 300–400 active cases.
ICMR Director General Rajiv Bahl said routine mask use is not currently recommended for everyone.
H1N1 spreads mainly through respiratory droplets, close contact and contaminated surfaces.
H1N1 is an influenza A subtype, while COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Experts recommend hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, distancing from sick people and staying home when unwell.
- Who
- People in Delhi and other parts of the country, including Karnataka, are affected; health experts and ICMR Director General Rajiv Bahl provided guidance.
- What
- Reported H1N1 and seasonal influenza cases are rising, prompting advice on transmission prevention and mask use.
- When
- The report was published and updated on August 25, 2026; the circulating H1N1 strains have been present since 2025.
- Where
- Delhi, Karnataka and several other parts of the country.
- Why
- The increase in reported cases has raised public concern and led health experts to emphasize precautions.
- Delhi cases
- More than 2,300 swine flu cases have been reported.
- Karnataka cases
- The state has around 300–400 active cases.
- Mask guidance
- Routine masks are not currently recommended for everyone, according to Rajiv Bahl.
- Main transmission
- H1N1 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact.
- Other transmission route
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose or mouth can potentially cause infection.
- H1N1 virus
- H1N1 is a subtype of influenza A.
- COVID-19 virus
- COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
- Current strains
- The reported rise is not attributed to a new H1N1 variant; circulating strains are known seasonal strains present since 2025.