New Delhi, August 26: With seasonal Influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu, witnessing a surge during the monsoon season, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a public health advisory urging people to remain vigilant while avoiding unnecessary panic.
According to the IMA, metropolitan centres such as Delhi have reported more than 1,770 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases, while infections have also been reported from Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal. Surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as cited by the IMA, indicates that the circulating virus remains seasonal Influenza A (H1N1), with no novel genetic mutations reported.
The medical body said that most H1N1 infections are mild and self-limiting, but stressed the need for timely medical attention in severe cases.
These Symptoms Could Signal H1N1
The IMA said H1N1 commonly begins suddenly and may cause:
– High-grade fever and chills
– Persistent dry cough and sore throat
– Severe muscle aches and fatigue
– Headache, runny nose or nasal congestion
– Nausea, vomiting or loose stools, particularly in children
IMA Warns Against Unnecessary Antibiotics
The advisory makes it clear that Influenza A is a viral infection and antibiotics do not kill viruses.
The IMA has advised the public not to self-medicate with antibiotics such as azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate or cefixime for flu symptoms. Antibiotics should only be used when a qualified doctor diagnoses a secondary bacterial infection based on clinical and, where required, laboratory findings.
The advisory also cautions against self-administering antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir, which should be used under medical supervision and according to the patient’s clinical condition.
Watch Out for These Emergency Warning Signs
The IMA has urged people to seek immediate medical attention if a patient develops difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, bluish discoloration of the lips or fingers, coughing up blood, severe drowsiness, confusion or seizures.
Persistent vomiting with an inability to tolerate oral fluids is also listed as a red flag requiring emergency medical care.
For children, inability to feed, lethargy, grunting or severe chest retractions should prompt urgent medical evaluation.
IMA Issues Prevention Advice
To reduce the spread of respiratory infections, the IMA has recommended frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
People are advised to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and to consider wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded or enclosed spaces.
Those who are sick should stay home and avoid schools, workplaces and social gatherings until at least 24 hours after the fever has resolved without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
The IMA has also strongly advised annual seasonal influenza vaccination for healthcare personnel, pregnant women, elderly people and individuals with underlying chronic medical conditions.
The advisory, issued on August 26, 2026, was released in public interest by the IMA leadership and its AMR Committee.
Key takeaway: The IMA says there is no need for panic, but rising seasonal H1N1 activity calls for vigilance, responsible medicine use and prompt medical care when serious symptoms appear.
