H1N1 accounts for 98% of Influenza A cases in India: ICMR chief

No urgent need for public to take flu vaccine, says Rajiv Bahl; elderly and immunocompromised may consult doctors

Updated - August 25, 2026 06:23 pm IST - NEW DELHI

ICMR chief Rajiv Bahl. | Photo Credit: ICMR website

The H1N1 strain accounts for nearly 98% of Influenza A cases currently detected in India, with H3N2 making up only 2-3% of cases, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director-general Rajiv Bahl said on Tuesday (August 25, 2026).

Amid growing concern over a rise in H1N1 infections in several States, Dr. Bahl said there was “absolutely no cause for panic”, stressing that the virus circulating in the country was the familiar H1N1 pdm09 strain that emerged during the 2009 pandemic and has since become a seasonal influenza virus.

No urgent vaccination needed

Speaking at a press conference here, he said there was no urgent need for the general population to take the seasonal flu vaccine. People aged above 65 and those who are immunocompromised could discuss vaccination with their doctors, he said.

Asked about the World Health Organization’s recommendation on seasonal influenza vaccination, Dr. Bahl said it was a recommendation and not a directive. The Union government has also decided not to include the influenza vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme, he said.

According to the ICMR chief, minor genetic changes occur naturally in influenza viruses every season and do not necessarily indicate the emergence of a new or more dangerous strain. Most infections remain mild and self-limiting.

India’s influenza surveillance is being conducted through an ICMR network of 73 sentinel hospitals, where samples from patients with severe acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illness are tested regularly. A wider network of 167 virus research and diagnostic laboratories also undertake diagnostic testing.

The surveillance system is tracking Influenza A and B along with other respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, human metapneumovirus, adenovirus and parainfluenza viruses.

While most healthy people recover with supportive care, older adults, young children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people face a higher risk of complications such as pneumonia.

Dr. Bahl said people with flu symptoms should rest at home and follow basic respiratory and hand hygiene. Antiviral medicines may be prescribed for severe or high-risk cases, while antibiotics have no role in treating viral influenza.

The ICMR chief said the present rise in H1N1 infections was consistent with the seasonal behaviour of influenza and did not constitute a public health emergency.

Published - August 25, 2026 06:21 pm IST

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