98% flu cases this season down to H1N1: ICMR
Experts urge public to remain calm, as infections are in line with seasonal trends and no unusual patterns observed.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports that 98% of influenza cases this season are caused by the H1N1 strain of the influenza A virus. Despite this high percentage, ICMR does not believe there is cause for panic as no deaths have been reported from H1N1 so far. The seasonal flu pattern typically sees two peaks - monsoon and winters - and the current cases are in line with this pattern.
ICMR director-general Dr Rajiv Bahl stated that while the number of infections has risen in recent weeks, the number of severe cases requiring hospitalization has not been unusually high. The virus, which has a moderate reproduction number, is highly contagious, but herd immunity is lacking in India due to low vaccination rates.
Annual flu shots are the most effective way to prevent seasonal flu outbreaks, but their cost ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000, making them inaccessible for many in India. ICMR is closely monitoring the situation through a robust surveillance network in 23 hospitals and 73 labs across the country.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
