Doctors in Delhi-NCR have reported a rise in H1N1 influenza cases over the past few weeks as monsoon rains and seasonal changes have led to an increase in respiratory illnesses. Hospitals are seeing more patients with fever, cough, cold and other flu-like symptoms.
Dr Satish Koul from Fortis Memorial Research Institute said hospitals are seeing around 7 to 10 H1N1 patients daily in the OPD, along with a slight increase in COVID-19 cases. "Over the past 3-4 weeks, hospitals have witnessed a rise in patients presenting with cough, cold and high fever. Testing has revealed a significant increase in H1N1 (swine flu) cases, with doctors reporting that they are seeing around 7-10 such patients daily in the OPD. There has also been a slight increase in COVID-19 cases," he said.
Dr Sanjeev Sinha of AIIMS Delhi said the seasonal drop in temperature during the monsoon has contributed to the rise in influenza cases. He advised infected individuals to isolate at home for two to three days, wear a face mask and consult a doctor for treatment.Doctors said most H1N1 infections are mild, with fever usually improving within three to five days. However, elderly people, children and those with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease are at greater risk of developing severe illness and may require hospitalisation.
Dr Sanjeev Sinha, Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, AIIMS Delhi, attributed the rise in influenza cases to seasonal changes during the monsoon. He added that vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those suffering from diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease, are more prone to infections.
Advising those diagnosed with H1N1 to take precautions, he said, "If you are diagnosed with it, then isolate yourself at home for two or three days, use a face mask. If you get the infection, immediately contact the doctor about the treatment.Dr Atul Kakar, Chairperson, Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said Delhi is witnessing a seasonal increase in viral respiratory infections, with many patients reporting flu-like symptoms.
"Delhi is now witnessing a seasonal increase in patients which we are seeing with viral respiratory infections, and it can be attributed to H1N1 flu or flu-type symptoms which these patients are having. Many of them have high-grade fever, which has been running for a few days. A few of them have cold and cough; many of them complain of joint pains, muscle pain, extreme weakness, runny nose and throat pain. This is a type of trend which we are now seeing, especially during this post-rainy season. So, the number of patients is definitely much more," he said.
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