NEW DELHI: Setting to rest concerns behind the recent rise in H1N1 cases, senior scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said no new strain of the virus has been detected in the country and there is no cause for panic. The viruses currently circulating are seasonal strains that have been in circulation since 2025 and are well matched with vaccine strains recommended for northern hemisphere.The Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 viruses currently circulating in India belong to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus strain and fall under clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1, ICMR scientists said. The situation continues to be monitored through regular surveillance. The reassurance comes amid a rise in seasonal influenza cases in Delhi.Delhi recorded 1,777 H1N1 cases till Aug 20, out of 2,392 Influenza A cases, making H1N1 the predominant influenza A sub-type reported this year. “We are seeing an increase in H1N1 cases. We usually see an increase every year during monsoon but this year we are seeing a relatively higher number of cases,” said Dr Randeep Guleria, chairman of internal medicine and respiratory and sleep medicine at Medanta Hospital.Most patients, he said, experienced fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and dry cough. “Some, especially the older and younger age groups and those with co-morbidities, can present with chest tightness, breathlessness and features of viral pneumonia,” he added.Dr Neeraj Nischal, professor, department of medicine, AIIMS, said patients should seek medical attention for breathlessness, chest pain, low oxygen levels, persistent or worsening fever, confusion, severe weakness or dehydration. “Getting better and then suddenly getting worse” is an important warning sign as it may indicate other complications, he said.
