The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said no new strain of H1N1 has been identified, clarifying that the influenza strains currently circulating in the country have been in circulation since 2025.Delhi has reported more than 1,777 H1N1 cases so far, while Influenza-A cases have crossed 2,392 and Influenza-B infections have reached 210. Despite the substantial number of cases, the Delhi Health Department has reported no deaths.In a note, the ICMR said seasonal influenza, including H1N1, was mostly self-limiting. Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache and body ache, with most people recovering with appropriate care and rest.According to ICMR scientists, the Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses currently circulating in the country belong to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain. These viruses belong to clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1, and have been in circulation since 2025.The scientists clarified that no new H1N1 strain had been identified and there was no cause for panic. They added that the influenza strains currently circulating were well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere.However, the ICMR cautioned that young children, elderly persons and individuals with underlying medical conditions could be at greater risk of complications. It advised people to consult a doctor if symptoms persisted, worsened or became severe.Health Ministry officials said the situation was being closely monitored through regular surveillance and necessary public health measures were being undertaken.The Delhi Health Department had earlier designated two referral laboratories at AIIMS and the National Centre for Disease Control.Public health expert Dr Chandrakant Lahariya said H1N1 was not a new subtype and had been known for a long time. However, he noted that some of the current cases appeared to be more severe.“Flu viruses keep changing every year and their subtypes also change. So this time, the illness caused by the H1N1 subtype is becoming a bit severe and affecting more people,” he said.A general health advisory issued by the Delhi Health Department amid the surge in influenza cases recommends covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people suffering from respiratory illnesses and refraining from touching the eyes, nose and mouth unnecessarily.Residents have also been advised against spitting in public places and urged to maintain hygiene.Hospitals and district health authorities have been directed to strengthen screening, reporting and monitoring of influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), influenza and Covid-19 cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).