H1N1 is the predominant influenza strain detected in India, accounting for approximately three out of every four influenza-positive samples in the latest surveillance data from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The findings are based on WHO surveillance data covering September 1 to 14, 2026, corresponding to epidemiological weeks 36 and 37. The data was updated on September 21.
Across the WHO South-East Asia region, 817 of 3,632 samples tested positive for influenza, resulting in an overall positivity rate of about 22%.
India recorded a particularly high proportion of H1N1 among its influenza-positive samples. The A(H1N1)pdm09 strain accounted for 75% of positive samples in the country, compared with 50% across the wider South-East Asia region.
H1N1 was also the predominant influenza strain detected in Bhutan and Thailand, where it accounted for approximately 97% and 74% of positive samples, respectively.
Dr Rommel Tickoo, senior director of internal medicine at Max Hospital, said H1N1 continues to circulate as a seasonal influenza strain. He noted that complications can be more serious among older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with underlying health conditions.
He recommended preventive measures and good respiratory hygiene. For people at higher risk, he also advised seeking appropriate testing at an early stage and receiving antiviral treatment promptly when medically indicated.
