Seasonal influenza can often begin in a way that feels similar to an ordinary viral illness.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache and body aches. Some people may also experience other upper respiratory symptoms and general fatigue.
The ICMR has said that seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is mostly self-limiting, meaning that many people recover with appropriate care and adequate rest.
However, not every patient should treat symptoms lightly. People whose condition persists, worsens or becomes severe should seek medical advice.
Doctors are also urging people not to assume that every fever or cough is automatically H1N1. Several respiratory illnesses can produce similar symptoms, making proper medical assessment important when symptoms are serious or prolonged.
Who needs to be particularly careful?
While many people recover from seasonal influenza without serious complications, some groups face a higher risk.
Young children, elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions may be more vulnerable to complications. Immunocompromised people and others with significant health risks have also been advised to remain particularly vigilant.
Arjun Dang said high-risk individuals should seek timely medical advice and testing if they develop symptoms.
Doctors have also reported that while most patients have responded well to treatment, some have developed complications such as pneumonia. Severe cases may require more intensive medical care.
The key point is that a rise in infections does not mean that every person with a cough will become seriously ill. But people in vulnerable groups should not ignore symptoms that are worsening or unusually severe.