Health Department directs district officials to step up preparedness to tackle anticipated rise in seasonal influenza cases

With an anticipated rise in seasonal influenza cases from January 2026 to March 2026, the Health Department has directed all district officials to initiate preparedness and response measures to prevent complications and ensure timely treatment.

In an advisory issued following a communication from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi, district officials have been instructed to strengthen surveillance, ensure availability of medicines and equipment, and intensify public awareness activities ahead of the winter surge.

Seasonal influenza is an infectious viral disease that spreads primarily through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. While the illness is generally self-limiting and lasts five to seven days, health authorities cautioned that infants, the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals and those on long-term medication, particularly steroids, face a higher risk of complications and may require hospitalisation.

Surveillance and testing

The district officials have also been asked to strengthen surveillance for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). As per the guidelines, samples must be collected from at least 5% of ILI cases and 100% of SARI cases and sent to designated influenza laboratories for testing. 

All laboratories under the influenza surveillance network have been directed to ensure adequate availability of testing kits and timely processing of samples. Besides, health facilities at all levels have been instructed to maintain sufficient stocks of personal protective equipment, including N95 masks, and ensure uninterrupted availability of the antiviral drug oseltamivir in all prescribed dosages.

The advisory has also recommended influenza vaccination for healthcare workers in high-risk groups and directed officials to ensure the availability of functional ventilators for the management of severe cases.

Public awareness campaigns on preventive measures, early symptom reporting and timely medical care should be intensified to ensure real-time reporting of cases through the IDSP/IHIP portal. Officials have been directed to implement the measures immediately and conduct periodic reviews of preparedness and case trends.