No need for masks as H1N1 drives seasonal flu surge, says ICMR chief
With 99% of cases remaining mild, ICMR advises basic hygiene over masks and recommends flu shots only for high-risk individuals.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) chief, Dr Rajiv Bahl, has stated that the current surge in respiratory infections in India is primarily due to the Influenza A subtype H1N1 strain, with minimal presence of H3N2, Influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2 cases. Dr Bahl emphasized that there is no need for panic, as most cases are mild and self-limiting, manageable at home with basic care, rest, and hydration.
He advised standard hygiene measures, such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, instead of mask-wearing, as respiratory droplet infections travel at most one to two meters. Dr Bahl also mentioned that high-risk groups can consider the Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine in consultation with their doctors, but the vaccine is not recommended universally under the national immunization program.
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