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
Nearly 98% of influenza cases across India are caused by the H1N1 strain, according to Dr Rajiv Bahl, director-general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Despite this high prevalence, hospitalization rates remain low and severe illness is largely confined to high-risk individuals. Dr Bahl emphasized that there is no cause for alarm, as the seasonal flu pattern remains consistent with previous years, characterized by two peaks - monsoon and winter.
The ICMR's surveillance network has confirmed this pattern, with no significant deviation from the norm. While a slight increase in infections has been observed in recent weeks, the number of severe cases requiring hospitalization is not unusually high. Those requiring admission are typically individuals with underlying medical conditions.
ICMR has also reassured that the available vaccines are effective against the current H1N1 strain, which belongs to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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