Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 11: Delhi has reported a sharp rise in H1N1 influenza cases this season, with 1,344 infections recorded compared to 229 during the corresponding period last year, marking an increase of nearly six times.
Doctors said the surge indicates increased circulation of influenza across the National Capital Region, with hospitals reporting a rise in patients suffering from respiratory symptoms over the past three to four weeks.
Dr Satish Koul, Principal Director and Unit Head of Internal Medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, told that hospitals have seen a rise in patients reporting cough, cold and high fever. Testing has revealed a significant increase in H1N1 cases, with doctors seeing around seven to 10 such patients daily in outpatient departments. He also noted a slight increase in Covid-19 cases.
Doctors said most H1N1 infections are generally mild, with fever usually subsiding within three to five days. However, elderly people, young children and those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are at greater risk of complications.
Dr Sanjeev Sinha, Professor of Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, attributed the rise in influenza cases partly to seasonal changes during the monsoon. He said changes in temperature during the season create conditions in which influenza viruses become more common.
Common symptoms include sore throat, nasal discharge, dry cough and headache. Sinha said doctors at the AIIMS outpatient department have been seeing an increase in upper respiratory tract infections, with several patients testing positive for influenza, particularly H1N1 and influenza A.
He advised people diagnosed with H1N1 to isolate themselves at home for two or three days, wear a face mask and contact a doctor promptly regarding treatment.
Dr Atul Kakar, Chairperson of Internal Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said Delhi is witnessing a seasonal rise in viral respiratory infections, with many patients reporting flu-like symptoms.
According to Kakar, patients are experiencing high-grade fever lasting several days, along with cold, cough, joint pain, muscle pain, extreme weakness, runny nose and throat pain. He said the number of such patients has increased during the post-rainy season.
Kakar said children, elderly people and immunocompromised individuals, as well as those with underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and kidney disease, are more vulnerable to severe illness.
While most symptoms are self-limiting and last around five to seven days, some patients may require hospitalisation because of the severity of their condition.
Doctors have advised people experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms, persistent high fever or difficulty breathing to seek medical attention promptly, particularly those belonging to high-risk groups.
Health authorities have reiterated preventive measures to limit the spread of H1N1. People have been advised to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth and stay away from crowded places.
People should also maintain a safe distance from those infected and ensure adequate rest, sleep and nutrition.
Authorities have advised people to avoid shaking hands or hugging while greeting others, refrain from taking medicines without consulting a doctor and avoid meeting relatives or friends while experiencing symptoms.
Those with flu-like symptoms have been advised to monitor their condition and visit the nearest health facility if symptoms worsen, particularly in cases of high fever, breathing difficulty, bluish discolouration of the skin or lips, or blood in sputum.