Goa, Aug. 26 -- The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a public health advisory on the seasonal rise in H1N1, urging people to remain vigilant but not panic. The IMA said most H1N1 infections are mild and self-limiting, while ICMR surveillance has found no novel genetic mutations in the circulating seasonal Influenza A virus.

The IMA has strongly advised against self-medication and unnecessary antibiotic use. Drugs such as azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate and cefixime should only be taken when prescribed by a qualified doctor for a confirmed secondary bacterial infection.

Common H1N1 symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and loss of ap...