With a sharp surge in Swine flu (H1N1) cases being reported in the city this monsoon, health experts highlight the key concerns, the need for timely diagnosis, and preventive measures
What’s the current situation?
Delhi is seeing a sharp rise in H1N1 infections this monsoon, with the capital recording 1,777 cases so far this year, making the virus the dominant strain among Influenza-A infections reported in the city. The latest figures from the Delhi government, reported on August 21, show that 2,392 Influenza-A cases have been recorded in 2026, of which 1,777 were H1N1.
Is the rise in cases limited to Delhi?
Principal director and head of internal medicine at Aakash Healthcare, Dr Rakesh Pandit explains, “While Delhi is the city most in the news for it, reports are also coming in from Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Keralam, so it is not confined to one pocket. We have had around 34 confirmed cases over the last few weeks.”
What sets it apart from other viral fever?
“At the start, H1N1 looks almost identical to any seasonal viral fever – sudden fever, body ache, sore throat, cough, runny nose, fatigue. What sets it apart is its intensity and trajectory. While a normal viral fever usually eases within two to three days with rest and fluids, with H1N1, the fever tends to be higher, comes with more pronounced breathlessness or chest discomfort, and does not taper off as expected. In H1N1, there is also difficulty in breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, bluish discoloration of lips, worsening cough beyond four to five days, drowsiness or confusion, and reduced urine output in children. If any of these appear or if fever does not subside with usual medication within 48 hours, immediately visit a hospital and get tested,” says Dr Manav Manchanda, director & head- respiratory, critical care and sleep medicine, Asian Hospital.
What precautions should you take?
{{/usCountry}}“At the start, H1N1 looks almost identical to any seasonal viral fever – sudden fever, body ache, sore throat, cough, runny nose, fatigue. What sets it apart is its intensity and trajectory. While a normal viral fever usually eases within two to three days with rest and fluids, with H1N1, the fever tends to be higher, comes with more pronounced breathlessness or chest discomfort, and does not taper off as expected. In H1N1, there is also difficulty in breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, bluish discoloration of lips, worsening cough beyond four to five days, drowsiness or confusion, and reduced urine output in children. If any of these appear or if fever does not subside with usual medication within 48 hours, immediately visit a hospital and get tested,” says Dr Manav Manchanda, director & head- respiratory, critical care and sleep medicine, Asian Hospital.
What precautions should you take?
{{/usCountry}}To reduce the risk:
-Maintain proper hand hygiene at all times
-Avoid close contact with anyone who is unwell
-Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth unnecessarily
-If symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body ache or fatigue occur, take adequate rest and stay well hydrated with water, ORS, coconut water, warm soups and other easily tolerated fluids, along with light, nutritious meals
Annual influenza vaccination is the best preventive measure and can reduce the risk of severe illness, complications and death, although its effectiveness may vary from season to season