Keeping in mind the rising numbers of HINI cases, the health department of Jaipur plans to conduct genome sequencing of the swine flu family to identify its variants circulating in the state. Influenza A the subtype of which is H1N1, which is generally known as swine flu has been circulating in the state for more than 10 years. There is concern over the emergence of more deadly influenza A subtypes, such as H1N2 and H1N3, in several nations.

To ensure that H3N1 and H3N2 are not circulating in the state, genome sequencing will be done on people with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).

Indian Council of Medical Research, National Center for Disease Control, and AIIMS, Delhi held a meeting for the west zone in Mumbai, which was attended by a team of doctors from SMS Hospital and representatives from private doctors associations and Rajasthans health department.

According to a health department official, the specialists highlighted the need to ensure that SARI case surveillance should be increased to identify H3N1 and H3N2 cases quickly. The experts emphasized the need for genomic sequencing of SARI cases to achieve their goals.

Recently, H1N1 instances have risen in several regions of the country. Rajasthan reported 48 H1N1 cases in just 24 days. Officials said that although the cases were not high, H1N1 infections have reemerged. The matter was also brought up at the zone meeting on September 2 in Mumbai.

Health department officials advised people to take preventive measures, like washing their hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding crowded spaces, not touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. They further advised them to immediately contact the closest public health centre if they experience any symptoms. (Times of India, Sep 5, 2022)