26 August,2026 08:05 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
According to the IMA, H1N1 can cause a sudden high fever accompanied by chills, a persistent dry cough and sore throat. Representational Pic/File
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has advised people to remain cautious amid a seasonal rise in Influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu, during the monsoon. The medical body has urged the public not to take antibiotics or antiviral medicines without medical advice and to seek immediate treatment if severe symptoms develop.
The IMA said India is seeing a seasonal increase in H1N1 infections, with cases reported in several states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal.
Delhi has recorded more than 1,770 laboratory-confirmed cases, according to the advisory, reported the ANI.
The IMA said surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that the virus currently circulating remains seasonal Influenza A (H1N1), with no new genetic mutations detected.
While urging increased vigilance, the medical body said there was no need for panic, noting that most H1N1 infections are mild and resolve on their own.
According to the IMA, H1N1 can cause a sudden high fever accompanied by chills, a persistent dry cough and sore throat.
Other common symptoms include:
- Severe muscle aches and fatigue
- Headache
- Runny or blocked nose
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loose stools, particularly among children
The IMA stressed that H1N1 is caused by a virus and antibiotics cannot treat viral infections.
It advised people not to take medicines such as azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate or cefixime for flu symptoms without medical advice.
The medical body warned that unnecessary antibiotic use can damage beneficial bacteria in the body and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which makes bacterial infections harder to treat, according to the ANI.
Antibiotics should only be taken when a qualified doctor identifies a secondary bacterial infection based on clinical and laboratory findings, the IMA said.
The IMA also cautioned against taking antiviral medicines without medical supervision.
It said oseltamivir is a prescription medicine and should be used only for patients who fall into specific clinical categories, as determined by a doctor.
The advisory specifically urged people not to self-administer antiviral drugs.
The IMA has advised people to seek emergency medical attention if they develop serious symptoms.
These include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest pain or persistent pressure, and bluish discolouration of the lips or fingers.
Other warning signs include coughing up blood, confusion, extreme drowsiness, seizures, persistent vomiting and an inability to keep down fluids.
Children need urgent medical attention if they are unable to feed, become unusually lethargic or develop grunting or severe chest retractions.
The medical body has advised people to take basic precautions to reduce the spread of influenza.
These include washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
People should also cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their bent elbow while coughing or sneezing. Wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded or enclosed places has also been recommended.
The IMA advised people with flu symptoms to stay at home and avoid schools, workplaces and social gatherings until at least 24 hours after their fever has gone without the use of fever-reducing medicines, as per the ANI.
The IMA has strongly recommended annual seasonal influenza vaccination for healthcare workers, pregnant women, older people and those living with chronic medical conditions.
The advisory was issued by IMA National President Dr Anilkumar J Nayak and Honorary Secretary General Dr Sarbari Dutta. Dr Narendra Saini, Chairman of the IMA AMR Committee, and Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan, Convenor of the committee, also signed the advisory.
The IMA said the guidance was issued in the public interest and urged people to remain alert while avoiding unnecessary medicines and panic during the seasonal rise in H1N1 cases.
(with ANI inputs)
