Experiencing headache, cough, or mild fever? Delhi-NCR witnesses a sharp rise in H1N1 cases; doctors share who are at risk

Are you down with a cold and fever? Well, you are not alone; the national capital has been witnessing a sharp rise in influenza cases, including the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu.

According to a LocalCircles survey, over 54 per cent of households in the Delhi-NCR region have reported that one or more members of their families were experiencing symptoms of fever.?

The survey report showed data since February 2025, as numerous people have been experiencing headaches, cough, fatigue, mild temperature, and other respiratory problems.?

Influenza B and H1N1 are two viruses that infect the respiratory tract and give rise to seasonal flu epidemics. “This type of flu virus spreads through droplets generated from the nose or mouth of someone infected when they cough, sneeze, or talk,” says Dr. Shrey Srivastava, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital.

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Viral fever that lasts for up to 10 days?

Residents also complained that their recovery time extended up to 10 days, unlike the usual 5-7 days. The sample size of the survey was huge, as over 13,000 residents from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad responded to the survey. About 67 per cent of residents who responded to the survey were men, and 37 per cent of them were women.

However, the major concerning part amid the situation is that over 20,000 individuals have been infected with the virus, and at least 347 have died in India as of December 2024, as per the data reports by the states and Union Territories to the Central Surveillance Unit, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi.

Who is at a higher risk??

Influenza B and H1N1 viruses present with similar symptomatology: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and, in severe cases, pneumonia. “Influenza B chiefly tends to infect humans, while H1N1 has historically infected humans and animals. High-risk groups comprise young children, the aged, pregnant women, and those suffering from chronic ailments. Serious cases may lead to the development of complications such as respiratory failure, heart problems, or even death under untreated conditions,” explains. Dr. Srivastava.

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Tips to be safe amid the rise in H1N1 virus?

According to Dr. Bhumesh Tyagi, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital, “There are proven preventive tips to reduce the risk of Influenza B and H1N1. One needs to be vigilant about the fever and its symptoms and immediately seek medical help if the fever doesn’t go down.”

Here are some steps to follow:

• Get flu shots every year.
• Wash hands regularly with soap.
• Avoid touching the face in any way, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wear masks in crowded places.
• Ensure good indoor ventilation.?
• Stay hydrated and feed on a well-balanced diet.
• Isolate in case of flu symptoms.

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