The Governemnt wednesday said that the situation with respect to instances of H1N1 influenza or Swine Flu is well under control and it is being monitored. Refuting media reports, the Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare said that the virus has not mutated to a more virulent form or has changed its character.

The Ministry in its statement, said that the National Institute of Virology, Pune has clarified that the presently circulating strain of H1N1 pandemic virus belongs to clade 6 and 7. Clade is the medical terminology used to describe related organisms descended from a common ancestor.

These clades are treatable with anti viral drug Oseltamivir. It suggested that it is important to get oneself examined at the nearest hospital in the initial part of illness to detect moderate illness and other associated risk factors or diseases that require hospitalization. The anti viral drug Oseltamivir is available free of cost through the State public health system.

A central stockpile of about 8 million doses of Oseltamivir is also maintained. As the virus is circulating within the country, there is no need to impose any travel restrictions or screening at inter-state point of entry.