The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has stated that the current swine flu outbreak is being caused by a recognised strain that is already in circulation. It said that cases are starting to decline nationwide, even as Delhi's swine flu caseload so far this year surpassed 2,000 on Sunday. The nation's top health research agency emphasised that there is no cause for panic.
There is no reason to be alarmed as no new strain of H1N1 has been discovered. The influenza strains recommended for vaccination in the Northern Hemisphere also closely match the strains that are currently in circulation, according to the ICMR.
Known H1N1 strain remains dominant nationwide
According to the ICMR, the strain currently most prevalent throughout the country is the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain, which is a member of clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1, a lineage that has been in circulation since 2025.
WHO recommends annual flu vaccine strains
The World Health Organization develops guidelines for the influenza strains that should be covered by annual flu vaccines for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The recommendations typically consist of one influenza B strain and two influenza A strains, one of which is the A/Missouri/11/2025 pdm09-like virus this year.
The information on flu strain circulation provided by its worldwide network of laboratories is used to identify these strains.
Flu symptoms usually resolve within days
However, seasonal influenza typically resolves on its own within three to seven days. Experts say that people with flu may use paracetamol to reduce fever and should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. They should seek medical attention if they develop blue lips or nails, shortness of breath or chest pain, or if their symptoms persist or worsen.
"The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has stated that the current swine flu outbreak is being caused by a recognised strain that is …"