Delhi has recorded more than 1,777 H1N1 cases this year, with 114 H1N1 infections reported on Thursday alone, according to health department data. The capital has recorded 2,602 influenza cases so far, including 2,392 Influenza-A and 210 Influenza-B cases.
The rise has prompted the Delhi government to issue a health advisory asking people to follow respiratory hygiene, avoid crowded places and seek medical advice when symptoms appear.
The health department has also stepped up surveillance across hospitals and districts as it monitors influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), influenza and COVID-19 cases.
What symptoms should parents and families watch for?
Common H1N1 and seasonal influenza symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache and body ache. Some patients can also develop breathing difficulty.
The health department has advised people who develop these symptoms to seek medical advice rather than taking medicines without consulting a doctor.
People should also watch for symptoms that persist, worsen or become severe. Timely medical consultation becomes particularly important for those who face a higher risk of complications.
Why children and senior citizens need extra caution
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said seasonal influenza, including H1N1, remains mostly self-limiting and most people recover with appropriate care and rest.
However, young children and elderly people, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, can face a greater risk of complications.
ICMR sources told PTI that no new H1N1 strain has been identified amid the current rise in cases. The strains circulating in India remain well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere.
The currently circulating Influenza-A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses belong to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain, according to ICMR sources, quoted by PTI.
What precautions should families follow?
The Delhi health department has advised people to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and wash their hands regularly with soap and water.
The advisory also recommends wearing masks in crowded places and avoiding close contact with people suffering from respiratory infections.
People should avoid touching their eyes and nose and should not spit in public places. The department has also advised adequate fluid intake.
Parents can pay particular attention to children showing influenza-like symptoms, while caregivers should monitor elderly family members closely, especially when they have underlying health conditions.
Delhi keeps hospitals under surveillance
The Delhi government said it has kept 35 hospitals under special surveillance to monitor the seasonal influenza situation. AIIMS and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have been designated as referral laboratories.
The health department said hospitals have adequate beds, doctors, medicines and essential medical equipment to handle the seasonal rise in cases.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda also reviewed the H1N1 situation and healthcare preparedness on Friday. The review covered hospital beds, critical care facilities, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, medicines, diagnostics and other essential supplies.
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh attended the meeting and said authorities were monitoring the patient tally and strengthening hospital arrangements according to requirements.
ICMR sources told PTI that authorities continue to monitor the situation through regular surveillance and that there is no cause for panic over the current rise in H1N1 cases.
