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The Union ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW), in coordination with the Department of Health Research (DHR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is closely monitoring the prevailing seasonal respiratory illness trends across the country through a robust pan-India surveillance network.
Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General, ICMR, Dr Rajiv Bahl stated that the current influenza situation is being continuously monitored and that there is no cause for panic or alarm. The influenza viruses currently circulating in the country are consistent with the seasonal pattern observed in recent years.
The ongoing genomic and epidemiological surveillance through the network of 73 DHR-ICMR Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) has provided important reassurance.
The circulating Influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been identified as A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like viruses. Hemagglutinin (HA) gene analysis places the isolates in clade 6B.1A.5a2a; subclade D.3.1.1.
Dr. Bahl informed that this lineage has been in continuous circulation in India since 2025. The genetic changes observed are consistent with the normal antigenic drift seen in seasonal influenza viruses. Such minor genetic changes occur routinely as influenza viruses circulate and, by themselves, do not indicate the emergence of a new or dangerous strain.
Dr. Bahl emphasised that the present observations therefore do not indicate the emergence of a new influenza threat and are consistent with the expected behaviour of seasonal influenza viruses.
Seasonal influenza, including Influenza A (H1N1), is predominantly a mild and self-limiting respiratory illness in otherwise healthy individuals. Common symptoms include: Fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, fatigue and weakness.
In most people, symptoms improve with supportive care and adequate rest and hydration. The presence of H1N1 does not, by itself, mean that a person will develop severe disease or require hospitalisation. Dr. Bahl said that while seasonal influenza is generally mild, certain individuals have a higher risk of developing complications. These include: Elderly persons, young children, individuals with underlying medical conditions or co-morbidities and persons with compromised immunity. He advised such individuals to exercise greater caution and seek timely medical advice if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
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