Delhi hospitals see more H1N1 patients as 1,777 cases are recorded this season

Delhi has recorded 1,777 H1N1 cases this season, and hospital outpatient departments are seeing more people with fever, body ache, cold and cough.

The count is sharply higher than the 229 cases recorded during the 2025 monsoon. Delhi’s reported H1N1 rise has prompted government hospitals to set up dedicated intensive-care units and prepare separate wards where patients can be isolated for seven days.

Doctors said most healthy adults are recovering without major complications through rest, hydration and symptomatic treatment. But older people, children and those with pre-existing health conditions may develop more serious respiratory complications; some patients have required ventilator support.

At Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Dr. Ramesh Chand Meena said OPD visits had increased, although no patient had yet been admitted to its dedicated ICU section. Dr. Atul Gogia of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital linked the rise to weather conditions favourable to respiratory viruses.

Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said hospitals have sufficient dedicated beds. Doctors advise annual influenza vaccination, hand hygiene, masks in crowded settings, ventilation and staying home while symptomatic.