Haryana Orders 100% Flu Testing for SARI Patients Amid H1N1 Surge
The Haryana government has stepped up influenza surveillance amid a rise in H1N1 (swine flu) cases, directing health facilities to test 100% of patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) for influenza. Under the new directive,
The Haryana government has stepped up influenza surveillance amid a rise in H1N1 (swine flu) cases, directing health facilities to test 100% of patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) for influenza.
Under the new directive, healthcare facilities have also been instructed to test at least 5% of patients presenting with Influenza-Like Illness (ILI). The measures are aimed at strengthening early detection and monitoring of circulating influenza viruses across the state. (Health Department, Government of Haryana)
Health authorities have also asked hospitals to strengthen preparedness, including maintaining adequate supplies of medicines and infection-control equipment and establishing dedicated flu corners for patients with suspected influenza. (Directorate of Information, Public Relations & Languages, Government of Haryana)
The move comes amid increasing H1N1 activity in the Delhi-NCR region. Gurugram has recorded 21 confirmed H1N1 cases from January through August 2026, including seven cases in August alone — the highest monthly count recorded in the district this year.
The state’s surveillance measures are aligned with the broader national focus on monitoring ILI and SARI trends, laboratory testing and healthcare preparedness. The Union Health Ministry has also urged states to maintain robust surveillance and ensure timely identification and management of seasonal influenza cases. (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare – Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme)
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) maintains dedicated technical guidelines for H1N1 covering patient categorisation, laboratory testing, sample collection, clinical management and infection-control measures. (National Centre for Disease Control – Technical Guidelines for H1N1)
With universal influenza testing for SARI patients and targeted testing of ILI cases, Haryana’s latest directive is intended to improve case detection, strengthen epidemiological surveillance and enable timely treatment during the ongoing seasonal influenza period.
