Karnataka has recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases across 32 districts so far this year, with the Health Department attributing the current rise in H1N1 cases to the state’s usual seasonal pattern and urging people not to panic.
According to surveillance data from the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), 4,212 influenza cases had been confirmed in the state as of August 22, 2026.
H1N1 is a strain of the influenza A virus that can cause seasonal flu. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body ache and fatigue.
Bengaluru accounts for the majority of the cases. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (MSU) area has reported 2,070 cases so far this year, compared to 2,587 in 2025 and 1,189 in 2024. Bengaluru Urban has recorded 1,011 cases, broadly comparable to 961 cases in 2025 and 991 in 2024.
The Health Department said influenza generally records two seasonal peaks in Karnataka — between January and March and again between July and September. The current increase in cases therefore falls within the state's usual seasonal pattern.
Health Minister UT Khader chaired a review meeting with senior health officials from the state and districts to assess preparedness to manage the seasonal rise in influenza.
The department said government health facilities have adequate infrastructure, essential medicines and other supplies to handle a possible increase in cases.
Surveillance for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) has also been strengthened in line with guidelines issued by the World Health Organization and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Surveillance is being carried out through designated sentinel sites under the ICMR-NCDC network for pan-respiratory virus surveillance, as well as through the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network. The department said laboratories have sufficient consumables to ensure timely sample collection and testing.
Health facilities have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment, N95 masks and Oseltamivir, an antiviral medication used to treat influenza.
Healthcare workers have also been sensitised to identify ILI and SARI cases early, assess risk and provide appropriate treatment.
Private hospitals and healthcare facilities have been asked to follow state protocols for screening, testing and treatment of H1N1 cases. They have also been directed to report confirmed cases to surveillance authorities through the IHIP platform.
As part of efforts to prevent transmission, the department has reinforced respiratory and hand hygiene measures in healthcare facilities and stepped up public awareness campaigns through print, electronic and social media.
The Health Department has advised people to cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands regularly with soap and water, drink plenty of fluids and isolate themselves if they develop flu-like symptoms. People have also been advised to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, refrain from self-medication, and avoid crowded places, unnecessary gatherings and shaking hands while symptomatic. The department has also advised against reusing napkins.
People experiencing symptoms have been advised to seek care at the nearest government health facility.
The Health Department said there was no need for panic over the rise in cases, but urged people to follow recommended precautions and seek timely medical attention to help limit the spread of seasonal influenza.