Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Confirms No New H1N1 Strain in India

Key facts

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that no new strain of Influenza A (H1N1) has been identified in India.
• The currently circulating influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses are similar to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain.
• These viruses belong to clade 6B.1A.5a2a and subclade D.3.1.1 and have been in circulation since 2025.
• The influenza strains currently circulating in India are well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere.
• Seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is mostly self-limiting, with common symptoms including fever, cough, headache, and body aches.
• Young children, elderly people, and those with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk of developing complications.
• The situation is being closely monitored through regular surveillance, with necessary public health measures being undertaken.