Delhi has recorded a sharp rise in H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, this monsoon season, with 1,349 confirmed cases reported so far this year. The figure is significantly higher than the 229 cases recorded during the same period last year, according to NDTV.
The rise has also been reflected in hospitals, where doctors have reported an increase in patients with fever, cough, cold and other flu-like symptoms.
The Delhi government has said hospitals are “fully prepared” to handle the situation, with separate wards and dedicated rooms set aside for H1N1 and dengue patients.
H1N1 symptoms to watch out for
Common symptoms of swine flu include fever or chills, persistent cough, sore throat, body aches, muscle pain, headache and a runny or stuffy nose. Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Dr Satish Koul, Principal Director and Unit Head of Internal Medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said hospitals had seen a rise in such cases over the past few weeks.
"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 told ANI.
Most H1N1 infections are mild, with symptoms generally subsiding within three to five days. However, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or bluish lips require attention.
Who is more vulnerable?
Doctors have linked the seasonal increase to changing temperatures during the monsoon.
"During monsoon, there's a decrease in temperature. So, because of the temperature change, the influenza virus is more common nowadays. They have a sore throat, nasal discharge, dry cough and headache," Dr Sanjeev Sinha, professor of medicine at AIIMS Delhi, told ANI.
He said elderly people and those with diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease are more prone to infections.
What to do if you test positive?
Dr Sinha advised people diagnosed with H1N1 to isolate at home for two or three days and wear a face mask. Patients should also contact a doctor promptly regarding treatment.
Dr Atul Kakar of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said many patients were reporting high-grade fever, cold, cough, joint and muscle pain, extreme weakness, runny nose and throat pain during the current seasonal rise.