New Delhi, August 25: There is no cause for panic or alarm over the current influenza situation in the country, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl said on Tuesday, adding that the viruses currently circulating are consistent with the seasonal pattern observed in recent years.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in coordination with the Department of Health Research (DHR), ICMR and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is closely monitoring seasonal respiratory illness trends across the country through a pan-India surveillance network.
Dr Bahl, who is also Secretary, DHR, said ongoing genomic and epidemiological surveillance through 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 said the lineage has been circulating continuously in India since 2025. The genetic changes observed are consistent with the normal antigenic drift seen in seasonal influenza viruses and do not indicate the emergence of a new or dangerous strain.
He said seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is generally mild and self-limiting in otherwise healthy individuals. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, fatigue and weakness.
