The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department has said the recent rise in H1N1 influenza cases is part of the state’s seasonal monsoon surge and does not indicate an unusual outbreak, urging people not to panic.

Karnataka recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases across 32 districts as of August 22, compared with 4,583 cases during the whole of 2025 and 3,903 cases in 2024. Bengaluru accounted for nearly 73% of the 2026 cases, with 3,081 cases reported across Greater Bengaluru and Bengaluru Urban, making the city the clear epicentre of the current spike.

Health officials said influenza typically has two seasonal peaks in Karnataka — January to March and July to September — with the current rise falling squarely within this expected pattern rather than signalling a new or abnormal wave of infection. Officials noted that similar increases have been observed in previous years during the monsoon period, driven largely by humidity, temperature fluctuations and increased indoor crowding.

Surveillance has been strengthened through ILI (Influenza-Like Illness) and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) monitoring networks across government and private healthcare facilities, allowing health authorities to track case trends in near real time. Hospitals across the state have also been advised to maintain adequate supplies of N95 masks, PPE and oseltamivir, an antiviral medication commonly used for influenza treatment, to ensure preparedness in case of a further rise in cases.

Dr Veena, Deputy Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, said there was “no need for panic,” noting that surveillance mechanisms are already in place and laboratories have not detected an unusual or mutant influenza strain. She added that genomic surveillance conducted so far has consistently shown the circulating virus to be a known seasonal strain, consistent with patterns observed nationally.

Officials also reiterated that H1N1, like other seasonal influenza strains, is generally self-limiting in healthy individuals, with most patients recovering within a week through rest, hydration and symptomatic care. However, they cautioned that elderly individuals, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular disease remain more vulnerable to complications and should seek medical attention promptly if symptoms appear.

People experiencing symptoms have been advised to cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, wash hands regularly with soap and water, stay hydrated, avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places, and seek medical care when required rather than relying on self-medication. The department has also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the outbreak, stating that continued monitoring will guide any further public health response as the season progresses.