Delhi’s H1N1 tally reaches 2,612, with no sign of a new dangerous strain

Delhi had recorded 2,612 H1N1 cases by Thursday, with influenza A infections crossing 3,300 as the city’s monsoon-season flu wave continues.

H1N1 makes up the largest share of influenza A cases, but the Indian Council of Medical Research said the circulating lineage has been present in India since 2025 and its genetic changes remain consistent with seasonal influenza. There is no evidence of a new or unusually dangerous strain. Delhi’s tally had reached 2,612 after a daily rise of 166 cases, as reported earlier.

Humid, fluctuating and rainy weather, along with crowded indoor spaces, poor ventilation and close contact, are contributing to transmission. H3N2 and other respiratory viruses are also circulating.

Sudden fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache and fatigue can accompany H1N1, though those symptoms can overlap with dengue, chikungunya, malaria and other respiratory infections. Older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with conditions including diabetes, asthma, COPD, chronic heart or lung disease, or weakened immunity need greater caution.

People with flu-like symptoms should stay home, wear a mask, improve ventilation where possible, cover coughs and sneezes, and wash hands regularly. Breathlessness, falling oxygen levels, chest discomfort, confusion, dehydration, or symptoms worsening after an initial improvement need medical attention.