India Pharma Outlook Team | Tuesday, 25 August 2026
H1N1 Alert measures are being stepped up across Haryana as flu cases rise sharply in neighboring Delhi.
The state has ordered wider influenza testing and stronger hospital preparedness. The H1N1 Alert comes as Delhi has reported 1,777 H1N1 cases this year.
The figure is much higher than the 229 cases reported during the same period last year. Hospitals in Delhi and the wider NCR are also seeing more patients with fever, cough, and cold symptoms.
Haryana has now directed health facilities to test all patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). At least 5 percent of patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) must also undergo influenza testing.
The state government has asked hospitals to strengthen influenza testing and surveillance. Dedicated flu corners will remain operational at health centers and hospitals across Haryana.
Patients with flu-like symptoms will receive preliminary screening at these facilities. This includes people reporting with:
Every patient with SARI will be tested for influenza. At least 5 percent of ILI patients will also be tested.
Health facilities have been told to review staff, equipment, and other resources regularly. The aim is to prevent delays in testing and treatment.
Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said the state had strengthened surveillance, testing, treatment, and infection-control measures ahead of flu season.
Following her directions, the Director General Health Services issued an advisory. It was sent to all civil surgeons and directors of medical colleges across the state.
Also Read: How Can Indian Pharma Strengthen Quality Amid Rising FDA Scrutiny
Haryana hospitals have also been asked to prepare for patients who develop severe illness. Ventilator support and critical-care facilities must remain ready. Government hospitals have been directed to maintain sufficient supplies of essential medicines. This includes oseltamivir, which is used to treat influenza.
Hospitals must also keep enough infection-control supplies, including:
Private hospitals and the Indian Medical Association will also support influenza surveillance in the state.
Private healthcare facilities have been asked to update flu case information on the IDSP-IHIP portal. This will help health authorities track influenza activity across Haryana. Healthcare workers have also been told to follow strict infection-control measures. Staff with cold, cough, or flu-like symptoms should wear masks to reduce transmission.
The health department will run IEC and public-awareness campaigns on influenza. The campaigns will focus on symptoms, prevention, and timely medical care. Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has urged people not to ignore warning signs. These include fever, cough, sore throat, and breathing difficulty.
People experiencing such symptoms have been advised to visit their nearest health center or hospital. The department has also warned against relying on self-medication. The measures come as H1N1 cases continue to rise in Delhi and across the NCR. Haryana's expanded testing and hospital preparedness aim to detect severe cases early and ensure timely treatment.
.jpg)
