H1N1 drives 98% of India flu cases, ICMR says no panic

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said H1N1 accounts for nearly 98% of Influenza A cases in India, with H3N2 making up the remaining 2-3%. ICMR director-general Rajiv Bahl said on Tuesday that 98-99% of cases remain mild and self-limiting, and there is "absolutely no cause for panic." The circulating strain is the familiar H1N1 pdm09 from the 2009 pandemic, now a seasonal influenza virus, he said.

Dr Bahl said there is no urgent need for universal flu vaccination, but adults above 65 and immunocompromised people may consult doctors for the Northern Hemisphere vaccine. He advised basic hygiene, rest, and distance from symptomatic individuals instead of masks. Delhi has reported over 2,600 influenza cases this year, with H1N1 accounting for 70-75% of them, The Hindu and Livemint report.

The Delhi Directorate of Education has issued a circular asking schools to promote handwashing, ventilation, and awareness, and to submit a compliance report by August 31. Times Now reports Education Minister Ashish Sood said the city faces no emergency and urged schools and citizens to follow official health advisories without panic.