Delhi logs more than 1,700 H1N1 cases this year as monsoon influenza rises

Delhi has recorded more than 1,700 H1N1 cases this year as seasonal influenza infections rise during the monsoon.

Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said government hospitals have been directed to maintain adequate treatment facilities. He said health institutions are being asked to monitor infection patterns, affected areas and possible hotspots, and that separate wards are being set up for H1N1 patients.

Doctors in Delhi-NCR have reported more people with influenza and influenza-like symptoms. Dr Rishikesh Desai of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said most healthy people recover well, but older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic diseases can develop serious illness.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches and fatigue. Doctors advise seeking medical attention for persistent high fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion or worsening symptoms. They also recommend vaccination, hand hygiene, avoiding close contact while unwell and staying home while ill to help limit transmission.