1 week ago
Delhi-NCR Sees Rise in Swine Flu and Respiratory Infections
Doctors are seeing more people with flu and other breathing illnesses during the rainy season.
One of these illnesses is H1N1, also called swine flu.
Some hospitals have also reported dengue and H3N2 cases.
People may have a cough, fever, runny nose, body aches or tiredness.
Older people and people with other health problems can become more seriously ill.
Severe cases may cause trouble breathing or pneumonia.
Doctors advise washing hands and keeping good respiratory hygiene.
Wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded places can also help.
People should avoid treating themselves without advice and should contact a doctor if flu symptoms appear.
Delhi-NCR and other parts of India are reporting more H1N1 and respiratory infections during humid monsoon weather.
Doctors have also reported dengue and H3N2 influenza cases in Delhi and other hospitals.
Symptoms may include runny nose, cough, fever, body aches, fatigue and, in severe cases, pneumonia.
Elderly people and those with conditions such as COPD or asthma face higher complication risks.
Doctors recommend respiratory hygiene, masks in crowded places, medical advice for symptoms and influenza vaccination for high-risk groups.
- Who
- Residents of Delhi-NCR and other parts of India, particularly vulnerable people, are affected; doctors and hospitals reported the cases.
- What
- H1N1, other respiratory infections, dengue and H3N2 cases have increased or been reported.
- Where
- Delhi-NCR and several hospitals, including facilities in Delhi and Bengaluru.
- When
- The reports were published on August 21, 2026; hospitals described cases in July and August.
- Why
- Experts linked the rise to humid, changing monsoon weather, which often increases seasonal infections.
Key facts
- Main infection
- H1N1, also known as swine flu
- Other illnesses reported
- Dengue, H3N2 and other viral respiratory infections
- Reported symptoms
- Runny nose, cough, fever, body aches, fatigue, throat pain and severe pneumonia
- Higher-risk groups
- Elderly people and those with other health conditions, COPD or asthma
- Bengaluru hospital report
- SPARSH Hospital reported around five to six patients daily with flu-related symptoms, with two to three admissions
- Cases in Delhi
- Aakash Healthcare reported dengue and H1N1 cases in July, with H1N1 increasing significantly in August
- Recommended prevention
- Respiratory hygiene, well-fitted masks in crowded places, avoiding self-medication and considering influenza vaccination
Quotes
Dr Neeraj Nischal
Professor of Medicine at AIIMS Delhi
“Common cold, influenza and other viral fevers causing respiratory symptoms are frequently seen during this season. The risk of complications from influenza is higher among elderly people, those with other health conditions and patients with respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma.”
news18.com
“Around five to six patients per day are reporting flu-related symptoms such as sudden high fever, coughing and body pains. Of these, around two to three patients are being admitted.”
news18.com










