Delhi’s H1N1 tally reaches 2,729 as Lok Nayak sets aside isolation beds

Delhi had recorded 2,729 H1N1 cases by August 27, including 125 reported that day, as the flu strain remained the most common influenza infection in the city.

The health department recorded 149 influenza infections on August 27: 141 Influenza A cases and eight Influenza B cases. H1N1 has made up nearly three-fourths of all influenza infections detected in Delhi this year, continuing the increase from the 2,612 H1N1 cases recorded a day earlier.

Health minister Pankaj Singh has chaired a review with hospital, municipal corporation and health department officials on surveillance, testing capacity, medicines and hospital preparedness. Lok Nayak Hospital has operationalised an influenza isolation facility, with seven emergency beds reserved for influenza patients, including two with ventilators.

Doctors said most influenza infections are mild. They advised older people, pregnant women, young children and people with underlying illnesses to seek medical care if symptoms worsen or breathing becomes difficult.