• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Delhi has been witnessing a sharp surge in H1N1 Virus cases, with infections seeing a six-fold rise from last year.
  2. According to the data, over 1,700 cases have been recorded in Delhi so far.
  3. In view of the rising cases, Union Health Minister JP Nadda today chaired a review meet with Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh.

H1N1 Cases In Delhi NCR: The national capital has been witnessing a sudden surge in H1N1 cases (swine flu) amid humid and changing weather, considered conducive to the spread of such infections, including seasonal respiratory infections. According to the data, over 1,700 cases of H1N1 virus or Swine Flu have been reported in Delhi so far, recording a six-fold rise from last year, when Delhi reported 229 cases.

In view of the rise in cases, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday held a key meeting with Delhi Health Minister, Ashish Sood, and other officials of the Union Health Ministry to review the ongoing H1N1 situation in the NCT region. The discussions during the meeting focused on the preparedness of healthcare facilities, availability of diagnostic and treatment facilities and measures being taken by the Delhi government to monitor and contain the spread.

After the meet, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said, "We had a meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda. We discussed Delhi and Delhi-NCR: how many patients are from Delhi and how many come here from outside. Until yesterday, more than 1770 patients had come and they are under treatment."

"After treatment, several of them have been discharged. I would like to assure the people of Delhi that we lack neither equipment nor beds. Govt of India, Union Minister JP Nadda have assured Delhi Govt and Delhi Health Department that all preparations are in place to ensure that nothing untoward happens. There is no need to panic," he added.

H1N1 Cases In Delhi-NCR:

According to data from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi has reported 1,770 cases of H1N1 till August 21, with 63 cases recorded on August 11. This is the highest number of swine flu cases Delhi has reported since 2019, when the national capital logged over 3,600 cases and reported 31 deaths linked to the H1N1 virus.

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Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said that dedicated wards have been set up at hospitals, including Ram Manohar Lohia and Safdarjung. "Patients are coming in and receiving treatment. Our doctors in Delhi government hospitals are treating patients properly, and we have made adequate arrangements in terms of medicines, beds and ventilators," Pankaj Singh said, as quoted by NDTV.

Why H1N1 Cases Are Rising In Delhi?

Health experts have attributed the surge in cases to the changing weather conditions in the Delhi-NCR region. Professor of Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, Dr Neeraj Nischal, said common cold, influenza and other viral fevers causing respiratory symptoms are frequently seen during this season.

"During this season, we typically see conditions like the common cold and influenza, which is commonly referred to as swine flu. Apart from that, various other viral fevers can cause respiratory symptoms, which are commonly seen during this time. The symptoms are quite similar, such as a cold, runny nose or cough. Additionally, fever and intense body aches or fatigue are common symptoms," he said, as quoted by ANI.

Dr Manohar K N, Lead Consultant, Internal Medicine and Diabetology at SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru, said his hospital has also seen an increase in seasonal H1N1 cases. "H1N1 (swine flu) has shown an increase in seasonal cases due to humid and variable weather conditions. In our OPDs, around five to six patients per day are reporting flu-related symptoms such as sudden high fever, coughing and body pains. Out of the daily reported cases, around two to three patients are admitted to our IPD department," he said.

He added that admissions are generally required for vulnerable patients, including young children, elderly people and those with other health conditions who develop severe breathing difficulties due to respiratory infections.

H1N1 Virus Symptoms:

According to health experts, common symptoms of H1N1 virus include:

Sudden fever or chills

Dry cough and sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle and body aches

Headache and extreme tiredness

Stomach upset, Vomiting, or diarrhoea

H1N1 Virus: When Hospitalisation Is Needed?

Hospitalisation may be needed in H1N1 cases when patients develop severe breathing difficulty, pneumonia or other complications, particularly if they belong to high-risk groups such as young children, elderly people or those with underlying health conditions.

Health experts said patients with persistent high fever, worsening cough, low oxygen levels, severe weakness or difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention rather than continue self-treatment at home. Milder cases can generally be managed on an outpatient basis with symptomatic treatment and isolation.

Dr Manohar K N, Lead Consultant, Internal Medicine and Diabetology at Bengaluru's SPARSH Hospital, said, "Milder cases are still treated on an outpatient basis with symptomatic medicines and a recommendation for self-isolation at home."

ALSO READ: Delhi Flu Outbreak: 6 Home Remedies To Recover From Coughs And Colds

"In order to prevent further spread of the disease in the city, the general public is advised to maintain basic respiratory hygiene, use well-fitted masks in crowded places, refrain from self-medicating and visit a doctor when they develop flu symptoms. High-risk groups can take vaccines as a preventive measure," he added.


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