New Delhi, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
There is no need for panic over the recent rise in H1N1 or swine flu cases in India, former ICMR Director General Prof Nirmal Kumar Ganguly said on Wednesday, while urging people to remain vigilant and follow basic precautions.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, the Padma Bhushan awardee said H1N1 is not a new virus and that the number of reported cases in Delhi has declined over the past two weeks. He also said routine testing is not necessary for every person experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Ganguly said influenza viruses have circulated for decades and undergo periodic mutations. H1N1 is one influenza variant, while H3N2 is another that is also present in India and several other countries.
He said more than 1.14 lakh influenza cases have been reported in India since 2011. According to the figures available to him, Delhi had recorded around 2,300 cases by August 25 this year, while Bengaluru had reported around 4,000 cases. Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kerala had each reported roughly 2,500-3,000 cases, he said.
“I don’t see a reason to panic at the moment,” Ganguly said, noting that the number recorded in Delhi was relatively low considering the capital’s population.
However, he identified children below five and people aged 65 and above as particularly vulnerable. He also advised greater caution among people undergoing cancer chemotherapy, those with immunodeficiency, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, organ transplants or chronic kidney disease.
On testing, Ganguly said it was not mandatory in every case because H1N1 is an established influenza virus. People with mild flu-like symptoms should generally focus on rest, fluids, nutrition and fever management, while those experiencing breathing difficulty or chest pain should seek medical evaluation and testing.
He said oseltamivir is an influenza-specific medicine and is most effective when administered within the first 48 hours. He also noted that influenza vaccines are available, while saying a quadrivalent vaccine was not required at present.
Ganguly advised people to avoid rumours, maintain hand hygiene, limit exposure to large gatherings and consider wearing an N95 mask where necessary. Those developing flu-like symptoms should isolate themselves, increase fluid and nutritional intake, and seek hospital care if they develop breathing difficulty, chest pain or persistent fever.
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