Bengaluru: Amid growing public concern over the rise in H1N1 and other influenza cases across Karnataka, the state Health Department has clarified that the increase is in line with the usual seasonal pattern during the monsoon and that the situation remains under control.

The department said influenza cases generally witness two seasonal peaks in Karnataka every year — from January to March and again between July and September.

According to surveillance data available on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), Karnataka had recorded 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza-positive cases across 32 districts as of August 22, 2026.

The figure compares with 4,583 confirmed cases reported during the corresponding surveillance period in 2025 and 3,903 cases in 2024.

While the increase has prompted concern among the public, health officials have maintained that there is currently no reason for panic and that the state’s healthcare system is prepared to deal with a further rise in infections.

Health department reviews preparedness

Health Minister U T Khader held a meeting with senior health department officials to assess the influenza situation and review the state’s preparedness.

During the meeting, officials informed the minister that medical infrastructure and stocks of essential medicines were adequate to manage a possible further increase in cases or a sudden outbreak.

The department has also strengthened surveillance for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) across Karnataka.

The surveillance measures are being implemented in accordance with guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Union Health Ministry.

The objective is to identify changes in respiratory illness patterns at an early stage and ensure that patients requiring additional medical attention receive timely treatment.

Respiratory virus monitoring strengthened

The health department said monitoring of different respiratory viruses has been intensified as part of the state’s surveillance system.

Sample collection and rapid testing are being carried out through designated surveillance centres and Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) identified under the ICMR-NCDC network.

These facilities are expected to play an important role in identifying influenza infections and monitoring the circulation of respiratory viruses across districts.

Health officials have also been instructed to ensure that essential supplies remain adequately stocked at health centres throughout the state.

The department is maintaining supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, N95 masks and Oseltamivir, an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of influenza.

Health workers trained for early detection

The state has also taken steps to improve the ability of healthcare workers to identify influenza-related complications at an early stage.

Health staff have been trained to recognise symptoms associated with ILI and SARI, assess the risk level of patients and provide appropriate treatment.

Early identification is particularly important for people who may be at greater risk of developing complications from influenza.

The department has therefore emphasised timely diagnosis, monitoring and treatment rather than unnecessary panic over the seasonal increase in cases.

Private hospitals asked to follow guidelines

Private hospitals across Karnataka have also been directed to follow the state’s guidelines for screening, testing and treatment of H1N1 cases.

They have been instructed to report all confirmed cases through the IHIP surveillance platform.

Mandatory reporting is expected to help health authorities maintain a more accurate picture of influenza transmission across the state and identify areas where additional surveillance or medical preparedness may be required.

The health department has emphasised coordination between government and private healthcare facilities to ensure that cases are detected and reported promptly.

Public advised to follow precautions

Alongside surveillance and hospital preparedness, the Health Department has stepped up public awareness and infection-control measures.

Citizens have been advised to follow basic respiratory hygiene, particularly during the monsoon season when influenza transmission can increase.

People should cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and wash their hands regularly.

Those who develop symptoms have been advised to drink plenty of water and limit contact with other people. They should visit the nearest government health centre for medical advice if required.

The department has specifically warned people against self-medication without consulting a doctor.

Avoid crowded places when symptomatic

People experiencing influenza-like symptoms have also been advised to avoid crowded places to reduce the possibility of spreading infection.

They have been asked to refrain from shaking hands and avoid repeatedly touching their eyes, nose and mouth.

Such measures are particularly important for people who develop respiratory symptoms, as influenza and other respiratory infections can spread through droplets and contaminated hands or surfaces.

The department has urged symptomatic individuals to take precautions instead of continuing normal activities in crowded environments.

Early treatment can reduce complications

Health officials have stressed that early detection and timely treatment can help reduce the risk of severe complications, particularly among high-risk groups.

The department’s preparedness measures are therefore focused not only on tracking the number of infections but also on ensuring that patients who require treatment can access appropriate medical care.

The availability of Oseltamivir and other essential supplies has been reviewed as part of this preparedness.

At the same time, the government has maintained that the current rise in influenza cases follows the expected seasonal pattern seen in Karnataka.

Government asks public not to panic

With 4,212 laboratory-confirmed influenza-positive cases reported across 32 districts as of August 22, the health authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

The department has appealed to citizens not to panic and instead follow recommended preventive measures.

The government has said that medical infrastructure, medicines and surveillance mechanisms are in place to respond if cases increase further.

As the state enters the peak monsoon influenza period of July to September, continued surveillance and public cooperation will remain important in limiting transmission.

Health officials have urged citizens to maintain respiratory hygiene, seek medical advice when symptoms develop and avoid self-medication. The department said these simple precautions, combined with early diagnosis and timely treatment, can help Karnataka manage the seasonal influenza rise effectively.