ICMR Study Warns Of Rising Viral Infections In India – Expert Decodes What It Means

If you haven’t had a cold or flu this year, then you may want to pat your back. Because in India, viral infections are extremely common these days, almost everyone is falling sick – be it in summer, monsoon or winter. And this is not just limited to cold or flu, but more serious health issues like jaundice as well. Now, a recent study has found that viral infections are on the rise in India. Is this something to worry about? If so, how can we protect ourselves from infections? This article answers all this, and more, for you.

To get a better understanding of this, we got in touch with Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon. Read on.

What is The New Study All About

A recent Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study made some shocking revelations. It discovered that one in nine people tested positive for infectious diseases in India. As per the study, which tested 4.5 lakh patients, pathogens were found in 11.1 percent of them.

The study was conducted by a network of labs under ICMR. The top five pathogens that were detected in the findings were:

• Influenza A in acute respiratory infection (ARI)/ severe acute respiratory infections (SARI cases).
• Dengue virus among acute and haemorrhagic fever cases.
• Hepatitis A in jaundice cases.
• Norovirus among acute diarrheal disease (ADD) outbreaks.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) in Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases.

The first question that comes to our mind is: Is this a serious concern? “Yes, it is. The ICMR study shows that almost one in nine people tested positive for viral infections, which means a lot of Indians are falling sick more often. It’s not just about mild fevers — these infections can sometimes lead to serious illness, especially in children, older people, or those with weak immunity. Frequent viral infections also put a lot of pressure on hospitals and healthcare workers,” explains Dr Tayal.

Viral Infections On The Rise In India: Why?

But what is causing the escalation of infections in India? Our expert answers this for you. “There are many reasons why viral infections are increasing. Crowded cities, pollution, poor waste management, and climate changes make it easier for viruses to spread. Warmer weather and irregular rains help mosquitoes breed, leading to diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Air pollution can also weaken our lungs, making people more prone to cold, cough, and viral fevers. After COVID-19, many people’s immunity has also changed, which may be making infections more common,” shares Dr Tayal.

Common Viral Infections In India 

On this note, the expert jots down some of the most common viral infections in India:

• Seasonal flu and common cold viruses like influenza and adenovirus.
• Mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
• Stomach viruses like rotavirus and norovirus that cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Hepatitis A and E, which spread through unsafe water or food.
• And of course, COVID-19 and other changing seasonal viruses.

Also Read: Hepatitis And Cancer: Connecting The Dots Between Viral Infection And Liver Cancer

Tips To Protect Yourself From Viral Infections

The only way to protect yourself from infections is by following basic hygiene practices. Dr Tayal jots them down for us:

• Wash your hands often.
• Wear a mask in crowded or polluted areas.
• Drink clean, filtered water.
• Avoid street food during the rainy season or when there are outbreaks.
• Use mosquito repellents.
• Keep your home clean, and don’t let water collect in buckets, pots, or coolers.
• Eat healthy food, sleep well, and exercise regularly to keep your immunity strong.
• Vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and hepatitis are also important.

“Simple steps can go a long way,” says Dr Tayal. He further recommends how to stop viral infections from spreading:

• If you’re sick, try to rest at home and avoid close contact with others.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often and don’t share utensils, towels, or bottles.
• Wear a mask if you have a cough or cold.

Dr Tayal adds how these small steps help protect your family and others around you from getting infected.

Also Read: Benefits Of Betel Leaf For Cold And Other Viral Infections

The Final Word

A recent ICMR study discovered that one in nine people tested positive for infectious diseases in India. This means a lot of Indians are falling sick more often. And it’s not just about mild fevers — these infections can sometimes lead to serious illnesses too, especially in children, older people, or those with weak immunity. Thus, one must take proper precautions and follow hygiene practices to stay safe.