Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 25: Delhi has recorded more than 1,777 H1N1 cases till August 20, more than six times the 229 cases reported during the corresponding period last year, prompting doctors to advise children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses to take precautions and consider seasonal influenza vaccination.

The national capital has recorded more than 2,300 Influenza-A cases this year, including 114 H1N1 cases reported on Thursday alone, according to health department data. Hospitals across Delhi-NCR are also witnessing an increase in patients seeking consultations for flu-like symptoms.

Dr Bharat Gopal, senior director of respiratory and sleep medicine at Medanta Mediclinic, Defence Colony and Medanta-The Medicity, said the rise in H1N1 cases had renewed interest in preventive vaccination. He said enquiries about seasonal influenza vaccination had increased, particularly among high-risk individuals and families with children or elderly members.

Doctors said the increase in infections was also reflected in hospital visits. Dr Aakashneel Bhattacharya, consultant in infectious diseases at Paras Health, Gurugram, said the number of patients had risen by around 22-25 per cent over the past week.

At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, around eight to 10 patients with flu-like symptoms are visiting the clinic every day, while two to three patients with more serious flu illness are being admitted, said Dr Arvind Aggarwal, director of internal medicine.

Dr Ali Sher, senior consultant in internal medicine at Apollo Spectra Hospital, also reported an increase in patients seeking consultation for flu-like symptoms, including some with serious respiratory complaints.

Doctors said children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to severe influenza infection. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, chills, fatigue, runny nose and nasal congestion. Some patients, particularly children, may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Most patients with uncomplicated influenza can be treated on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalisation, doctors said. Admission is generally considered when patients develop pneumonia, breathing difficulties, reduced oxygen saturation, persistent high fever or worsening of an existing medical condition.

Dr Gopal said many patients were seeking medical advice early because of increased awareness about H1N1, while some continued to delay consultation until their symptoms became persistent or severe.

Dr Ali Sher cautioned that some patients continue to delay medical consultation and resort to self-treatment until their condition worsens. Doctors advised against self-medication, particularly the use of antibiotics without medical advice, and warned that delayed treatment could allow influenza to progress to pneumonia and other respiratory complications in high-risk patients.

People have been advised to seek medical attention if they develop severe breathlessness, persistent chest pain, oxygen saturation below 94 per cent, confusion, bluish lips or fingertips, or fever that returns after initially improving.

Dr Bibhu Anand, physician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said H1N1 testing is widely available at hospitals and diagnostic centres. Testing at private hospitals generally costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000, while a full respiratory BioFire panel can cost Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000. In government hospitals, the cost is considerably lower and described as “almost negligible”.

Dr Anand said multiplex PCR testing is available only at select laboratories and that the decision to test should be based on symptoms, clinical presentation and the treating physician’s assessment.

Doctors have advised people to maintain hand and respiratory hygiene, wear masks in crowded places, avoid close contact with infected people and stay home or isolate themselves when unwell. They have also urged high-risk groups to discuss seasonal influenza vaccination with their healthcare providers amid the sharp rise in H1N1 cases across Delhi-NCR.